upper limit
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upper limit
A maximum value, a maximum amount, or a limit that must not be exceeded. Upper limits can be set for numbers, quantities, costs, or other measurable values.
Die Regierung diskutiert eine Obergrenze für die Neuverschuldung des Staates.
The government is discussing an upper limit for the state's new debt.
The word is clearly composed of 'ober-' (upper part) and 'die Grenze' (the border/limit). So the meaning is literally an 'obere Grenze' (upper limit). The article 'die' comes from the base word 'die Grenze' (the border/limit).
Die untere Grenze nennt man entsprechend „Untergrenze“.
The lower limit is correspondingly called 'Untergrenze' (lower limit).
Certain verbs are often combined with 'Obergrenze' (upper limit): you can 'festlegen' (set), 'einführen' (introduce), 'einhalten' (comply with), or 'überschreiten' (exceed) an upper limit.
Das Unternehmen hat eine Obergrenze für die Reisekosten festgelegt.
The company has set an upper limit for travel costs.
This word is very often found in political and economic discussions. It is often about budgets, debt, emissions, or the admission of refugees.
In der Debatte wurde eine Obergrenze für CO2-Emissionen gefordert.
In the debate, an upper limit for CO2 emissions was demanded.
border / limit
'Grenze' and 'Obergrenze' can both express a limit. 'Grenze' is broader and can be a spatial, personal, or general limit. 'Obergrenze' is more specific: it means the highest permitted or possible value, usually with numbers, quantities, costs, or other measurable things. Learners may confuse the words because both show that something should not be exceeded. If you are talking about a limit in general, 'Grenze' fits. If you mean a maximum amount or level, 'Obergrenze' is clearer.
Für die Klassenfahrt gibt es eine Obergrenze von 200 Euro pro Person.
There is an upper limit of 200 euros per person for the class trip.
Nach zehn Stunden Arbeit bin ich an meine Grenze gekommen.
After ten hours of work, I reached my limit.