division / league
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division / league
A performance level or league in sports in which teams of a similar level compete against each other. Promotion and relegation between divisions is usually possible.
Nach einer erfolgreichen Saison stieg der Verein in die nächsthöhere Spielklasse auf.
After a successful season, the club was promoted to the next higher division.
'Spielklasse' (division/league) is a compound noun made up of 'das Spiel' (game) and 'die Klasse' (class). So it literally describes a 'class' or category in which people play.
Die Mannschaft spielt in der höchsten Spielklasse des Landes.
The team plays in the country's highest division.
Movement between leagues is expressed with fixed prepositions: you are promoted 'in' die nächsthöhere Spielklasse (into the next higher division, accusative) and relegated 'aus' einer Spielklasse (from a division, dative).
Der Verein hofft, nächstes Jahr in die zweite Spielklasse aufzusteigen.
The club hopes to be promoted to the second division next year.
Common combinations are 'die Spielklasse halten' (to stay in the division / avoid relegation) or playing 'in einer höheren/niedrigeren Spielklasse' (in a higher/lower division).
Das Hauptziel für diese Saison ist, die Spielklasse zu halten.
The main goal for this season is to stay in the division.
class
'die Klasse' and 'die Spielklasse' can both mean a category or level. 'Die Klasse' is much more general and can classify people or things by type, quality, or level. 'Die Spielklasse' belongs to sports and means a league or performance level in which teams play against each other. Learners may confuse the words because both contain 'Klasse'. When it is about school or general categories, you say 'Klasse'. When it is about sports, a league, promotion, or relegation, 'Spielklasse' is more precise.
Nach dem letzten Sieg steigt der Verein in eine höhere Spielklasse auf.
After the latest win, the club is promoted to a higher division.
Dieses Hotel gehört zu einer höheren Klasse und ist deshalb teurer.
This hotel belongs to a higher class and is therefore more expensive.