upper level
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upper school
The final grades of a secondary school (Gymnasium or comprehensive school) that prepare students for the Abitur or another form of university entrance qualification.
In der Oberstufe müssen die Schüler Leistungskurse wählen, die für das Abitur zählen.
In the upper school, students have to choose advanced courses that count toward the Abitur.
The word is a clear compound of 'ober-' (for 'upper' or 'highest') and 'die Stufe' (level, stage). So it literally means 'the upper level' of a system.
Nach der Mittelstufe kommt man in die Oberstufe.
After the intermediate level, you move into the advanced level.
In the school context, 'die Oberstufe' (upper school) refers to the final two or three years of the Gymnasium that lead directly to the Abitur. Typical phrases are 'in die Oberstufe kommen' (to move into the upper school) or 'in der Oberstufe sein' (to be in the upper school).
Meine Tochter kommt nächstes Jahr in die Oberstufe.
My daughter is moving into the upper school next year.
Outside of school, the term is used for the most advanced levels of courses, for example in language or music courses. There is then usually also a 'Grundstufe' (basic level) and a 'Mittelstufe' (intermediate level).
Dieser Grammatikkurs ist für Teilnehmer der Oberstufe gedacht.
This grammar course is intended for advanced-level participants.
secondary level
'Oberstufe' and 'Sekundarstufe' both describe parts of school after elementary school. 'Sekundarstufe' is the broader term: it includes the school years after elementary school, often with Sekundarstufe I and II. The 'Oberstufe' is only the final part of that, usually the years before the Abitur or a similar exam. Learners may confuse the words because both occur in the school system. Remember: the Oberstufe is a specific later section; the Sekundarstufe is the whole area after elementary school.
In der Oberstufe wählen die Schüler ihre Kurse selbst.
In the upper school, students choose their courses themselves.
Nach der Grundschule wechseln die Kinder in die Sekundarstufe.
After elementary school, children move on to the secondary level.