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.
advanced level
An advanced level in a multi-stage course or training system, for example in a language course.
Nachdem sie den B2-Test bestanden hatte, kam sie in die Oberstufe des Deutschkurses.
After she passed the B2 test, she moved into the advanced level of the German course.
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.
