die Stufe
step
A single step of a staircase.
EXAMPLE
Vorsicht, die oberste Stufe der Leiter ist locker.
Careful, the top step of the ladder is loose.
die Stufe
step / level
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
die Stufe
level
A specific level or stage within a development, hierarchy, or scale.
EXAMPLE
Er hat in seiner Karriere die nächste Stufe erreicht.
He has reached the next level in his career.
die Stufe
setting
An adjustable power or intensity setting on a device.
EXAMPLE
Stell den Föhn auf die niedrigste Stufe, sonst wird es zu heiß.
Set the hair dryer to the lowest setting, otherwise it will get too hot.
Usage tips
Meanings in context
The meaning of 'Stufe' (step/level) is usually clear from context: In connection with stairs, it means a step (m01). In relation to a career or development, it means a level (m02). With devices, it describes a setting (m03).
EXAMPLE
Ich habe in meinem Deutschkurs die nächste Stufe erreicht.
I have reached the next level in my German course.
Part of compounds
The word 'Stufe' (step/level) is a common component of compound nouns that refer to a particular level or phase, e.g. 'die Gehaltsstufe' (salary level), 'die Altersstufe' (age group), or 'die Schwierigkeitsstufe' (difficulty level).
EXAMPLE
Dieses Computerspiel hat verschiedene Schwierigkeitsstufen.
This computer game has different difficulty levels.
Fixed expression
The expression 'Stufe für Stufe' means 'step by step' or 'gradually'. It is often used to describe slow but steady progress.
EXAMPLE
Wir werden das komplexe Problem Stufe für Stufe analysieren.
We will analyze the complex problem step by step.
Sentence structure for devices
When talking about device settings, you use the constructions 'auf Stufe X stellen' (to set to level/setting X), 'auf Stufe X schalten' (to switch to level/setting X), or 'auf der X-ten Stufe laufen lassen' (to let it run on the Xth setting).
EXAMPLE
Kannst du die Heizung bitte auf Stufe drei stellen?
Could you please set the heating to level three?
Compare with
Stufe vs Klasse
class
A „Klasse“ is a distinct group within a classification, for example for people with a similar level of performance. A „Stufe“, on the other hand, refers to a specific position on a scale or in a development. „Klasse“ is used for assigning someone to a group, while „Stufe“ refers to the level someone has reached.
Stufe
Nach dem Test hat Mia die fortgeschrittene Stufe erreicht.
After the test, Mia reached the advanced level.
Klasse
Nach dem Test kommt Mia in die fortgeschrittene Leistungsklasse.
After the test, Mia was placed in the advanced performance class.
In real life
Loading video examples...