luxury class / upper class
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luxury class
A product category associated with the highest luxury, best quality, and most advanced technology, especially in automobiles.
Der neue Mercedes gehört zur automobilen Oberklasse und konkurriert mit BMW und Audi.
The new Mercedes belongs to the automotive luxury class and competes with BMW and Audi.
upper class
The highest social stratum in a society, characterized by particular wealth, high status, and often political influence as well.
Die Villen in diesem Stadtteil werden hauptsächlich von der gesellschaftlichen Oberklasse bewohnt.
The villas in this district are mainly inhabited by the social upper class.
The word is made up of the prefix 'ober-' (uppermost, highest) and the noun 'Klasse' (class). So it always refers to the highest category, whether for products or in society.
Dieses Hotel gehört zur absoluten Oberklasse.
This hotel belongs to the absolute luxury class.
The meaning becomes clear from the context. If the topic is products, technology, or luxury goods (e.g. cars, hotels), the product category is meant. If the topic is people, wealth, or social status, the social stratum is meant.
Die Limousine konkurriert mit anderen Fahrzeugen der Oberklasse.
The limousine competes with other luxury-class vehicles.
In a product context, especially with cars, people speak of the 'automobile Oberklasse' (automotive luxury class) or a 'Fahrzeug der Oberklasse' (luxury-class vehicle). Typical verbs are 'gehören zu' (to belong to) or 'spielen in' (to play in / be in).
Der neue Sportwagen spielt in der preislichen Oberklasse.
The new sports car is in the upper price segment.
In a social context, the adjective 'gesellschaftlich' (social) is often added: 'die gesellschaftliche Oberklasse' (the social upper class). Typical verbs are 'angehören' (to belong to), 'zählen zu' (to be counted among), or 'stammen aus' (to come from).
Er stammt aus der finanziellen Oberklasse der Stadt.
He comes from the financial upper class of the city.
upper class
Oberschicht and Oberklasse can both refer to the richest and most influential social group. Oberschicht is the usual neutral term for a social class or stratum. Oberklasse is less common in this meaning and places more emphasis on the division into social classes.
Der Autor beschreibt den politischen Einfluss der Oberklasse im damaligen Klassensystem.
The author describes the upper class’s political influence in the class system of that time.
Die Studie untersucht den politischen Einfluss der Oberschicht.
The study examines the upper class’s political influence.
