German word

mittelständisch

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈmɪtl̩ˌʃtɛndɪʃ/

Meaning

  • adjectivemedium-sized

Example

Das mittelständische Unternehmen stellt hochwertige Maschinen her.

The medium-sized company manufactures high-quality machines.

Illustration for mittelständisch (medium-sized)

More examples

Viele Start-ups arbeiten eng mit mittelständischen Firmen zusammen.

Many start-ups work closely with medium-sized firms.

Core concept

A company in the broad middle layer of the economy, between a small business and a corporate giant.

Common phrases

  • mittelständische Firma

    medium-sized firm

  • mittelständisch geprägt

    characterized by medium-sized businesses

Similar words

mittelgroß: Describes a company or organization with a moderate number of employees.
klein: Describes a business or operation that is small-scale.
groß: Describes a business or operation that is large-scale.
unabhängig: Describes a business that operates independently of major outside companies or capital.

Definition in German

Bezeichnet Unternehmen mittlerer Größe, die oft eigenständig, regional tätig und auf langfristige Stabilität ausgerichtet sind.

Word origin

Mittelständisch is formed from the noun Mittelstand, built from Mittel for "middle" and Stand for "position" or "social stratum", plus the suffix -isch.

Usage tips

  • In business contexts, mittelständisch can suggest an owner-led or independent company, not merely a company measured by its size.

Other meanings

  • middle-marketadjective

Opposites

  • konzernorientiertconglomerate-orientedadjective
  • multinationalmultinationaladjective

Related words

  • Mittelstandsunternehmenmedium-sized enterprisenoun
  • MittelstandsorientierungSME orientationnoun

Word lists with this word