der Mittelstand
Translation
small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the middle class
Examples
Der Mittelstand ist das Rückgrat der deutschen Wirtschaft.
Small and medium-sized enterprises are the backbone of the German economy.
Er gehört zum gehobenen Mittelstand.
He belongs to the upper middle class.
Grammar Patterns
the Mittelstand as the backbone of the economy der Mittelstand als Rückgrat der Wirtschaft The Mittelstand is the backbone of the German economy.
Similar Words
Mittelschicht (middle class), Bürgertum (bourgeoisie); KMU (SMEs)
Etymology
From 'Mittel' (middle) + 'Stand' (class, status). Literally 'middle status' or 'middle class'.
Memory Tips
Think of the 'middle standing' in society (middle class) or the economy (SMEs). In Germany, it's a very positive term for the strong base of family-owned companies.