die Unterstufe
Translation
lower school, junior high school, lower level, preliminary stage
Examples
Mein Sohn ist in der Unterstufe.
My son is in the lower school.
Dieser Kurs ist für die Unterstufe gedacht.
This course is intended for the lower level.
Grammar Patterns
to be in the lower school (in der Unterstufe sein) My brother is still in the lower school.
Similar Words
Synonyms: junior high, lower level; Antonyms: Oberstufe (upper school)
Etymology
From 'unter' (under) + 'Stufe' (step, level). Literally means 'under-level' or 'lower stage'.
Memory Tips
Think of a staircase ('Stufe' means step). The 'Unterstufe' are the lower steps of the school system.