Zwischenklasse

Zwischenklasse is a German term that translates literally as “intermediate class.” It is used to describe a middle tier or transitional category that does not fit neatly into the established divisions of a given field. The precise meaning varies by context and time period.

In sociology and social history, Zwischenklasse has been employed to refer to a social layer situated between well-defined classes, such as between the lower and middle classes or between the middle and upper ranges. The composition and status of this group are debated and change with economic conditions, urbanization, and cultural norms.

In market and industry contexts, the term has been used to denote mid-range products, services, or markets that lie between smaller, cheaper options and higher-end offerings. In the automotive press of German-speaking markets, Zwischenklasse has occasionally described mid-sized or mid-range cars that bridge the gap between kompaktklasse (compact class) and oberklasse (upper class) models.

In other domains, Zwischenklasse can appear in discussions of education, labor markets, or cultural stratification to denote transitional or ambiguous positions that do not align with standard class categories.

Notes: The term is not a fixed or technical category; its precise scope depends on discipline, era, and discourse.