upper class
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upper class
The highest social class in a society, characterized by exceptional wealth, power, and influence.
Die Oberschicht des Landes trifft sich bei exklusiven gesellschaftlichen Anlässen.
The country's upper class meets at exclusive social events.
The word is made up of 'Ober-' (upper part) and 'Schicht' (layer, stratum). So it literally describes the 'upper layer' of society.
Reichtum und Einfluss sind typische Merkmale der Oberschicht.
Wealth and influence are typical characteristics of the upper class.
'Oberschicht' (upper class) is almost always used with the definite article 'die', because it refers to a specific, defined group in a society.
Die Oberschicht hat oft Zugang zu besserer Bildung.
The upper class often has access to better education.
Common verbs used with this noun are 'zur Oberschicht gehören' (to belong to the upper class), 'in die Oberschicht aufsteigen' (to rise into the upper class), or 'Teil der Oberschicht sein' (to be part of the upper class).
Seine Familie gehört seit Generationen zur Oberschicht.
His family has belonged to the upper class for generations.
elite
Elite is a small top group whose members stand out through achievement, power, or influence. Oberschicht, by contrast, is the highest social class and is defined especially by wealth, power, and social status. Not every member of the Oberschicht therefore belongs to the elite of a particular field.
Viele besonders reiche und mächtige Familien gehören zur Oberschicht.
Many particularly wealthy and powerful families belong to the upper class.
Ein kleiner Kreis besonders einflussreicher Fachleute bildet die politische Elite.
A small circle of particularly influential experts makes up the political elite.
