German word

Oberliga

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈoːbɐˌliːga/

Meaning

feminine nounupper division

Example

Viele Jugendliche träumen davon, einmal in der Oberliga zu spielen.

Many young people dream of playing in the upper division one day.

Illustration for Oberliga (upper division)

More examples

Nach dem Abstieg spielt der Klub jetzt in der Regionalliga, nicht mehr in der Oberliga.

After being relegated, the club now plays in the regional league, no longer in the upper division.

Core concept

An upper-level competition within a sport's league structure, not necessarily the highest division.

Common phrases

den Sprung in die Oberliga schaffen
make the jump to the upper division
in der Oberliga antreten
compete in the upper division

Similar words

Bundesliga: A nationwide top-tier professional league.
2. Bundesliga: A nationwide second-tier professional league.
3. Liga: A nationwide third-tier professional league.

Definition in German

Eine Spielklasse, die Mannschaften auf einem überregionalen oder höheren Niveau sammelt und in der Ligengliederung weiter oben steht.

Word origin

The word combines Ober- 'upper' with Liga, a German borrowing from the international word for a sports league.

Usage tips

Oberliga does not always mean the same rank across sports or periods, so the sport and league system determine its exact level.

Other meanings

regional leaguenoun

Related words

OberligistOberliga teamnoun
Oberligaspielupper-division matchnoun