abstieg

Abstieg is a German noun meaning descent or downward movement. The term derives from ab- (away, down) and steigen (to climb), literally describing a movement downward. It can refer to physical descent, such as going down stairs or down a slope, as well as to a figurative decline in status, rank, or condition.

In sports, Abstieg denotes relegation from a higher division to a lower one after a season’s results. In many European leagues, teams finishing near the bottom of the standings are demoted to a lower division, while others may enter promotion or relegation playoffs. The concept is commonly discussed alongside Aufstieg, the promotion to a higher division.

Beyond sports, Abstieg is used to describe declines in other contexts, such as economic or social status. For example, a company, region, or institution may experience an Abstieg in ranking, influence, or performance. The term can appear in news reporting, analysis, and historical writing when tracing a downward trajectory.

In English, Abstieg is typically translated as descent for physical movement or decline, and as relegation or demotion in sports contexts. The word is widely understood in German-speaking regions and appears in both everyday language and formal discourse.