der Mittelstand
Translation
small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), the middle class
Examples
Der Mittelstand ist das Rückgrat der deutschen Wirtschaft.
Small and medium-sized businesses 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 (SMBs)
Etymology
From 'Mittel' (middle) + 'Stand' (class, status). Literally 'middle status' or 'middle class'.
Memory Tips
Visualize the 'middle stand' of the economy: not huge corporations, not tiny startups, but the solid medium-sized businesses in the middle.