VocabuoDictionaryGet the app
nounnoun

die Abstufung, -en

gradation

Definition & meaning

The German word Abstufung generally refers to the process or result of arranging things in steps, levels, or degrees. It can be used in several contexts:

  1. Gradation or Scaling: It describes the differentiation of something into specific stages or levels (e.g., color intensity, tax brackets, or difficulty levels).
  2. Nuance or Variation: It refers to subtle differences or degrees of something (e.g., the fine nuances in a discussion).
  3. Hierarchy: It can refer to a structured arrangement where things are organized in a specific rank or order.

Grammar & Word origin

  • Grammar: The word is a feminine noun (die Abstufung). Its plural form is die Abstufungen.
  • Word origin: It is derived from the verb abstufen (to grade, to graduate, to step). The structure consists of the prefix ab- (down/off) and the noun Stufe (step/level). Essentially, it refers to the act of "stepping down" or "stepping out" a range of values.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

  • Graduierung
  • Staffelung
  • Nuancierung
  • Schattierung
  • Abstufungsprozess

Antonyms:

  • Gleichschaltung (in terms of uniformity)
  • Einheitlichkeit (uniformity)
  • Stufenlosigkeit (lack of steps/continuity)

Make “Abstufung” part of your vocabulary.

Build your German vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.

Get Vocabuo on the App StoreGet Vocabuo for Android

Examples

Die Abstufung der Farben in diesem Bild ist unglaublich.noun

The gradation of the colors in this picture is incredible.

Man erkennt eine feine Abstufung von Hell nach Dunkel.noun

One can recognize a fine gradation from light to dark.

Man sieht eine feine Abstufung von Tönen.noun

One can see a fine gradation of tones.

Keep exploring German

Learn words from the content you love.

Add words from websites, books and videos, then remember them with spaced repetition (SRS).

Download on theApp StoreGET IT ONGoogle Play