einstufige

Einstufige is a German adjective used to describe something that consists of a single stage or occurs in one step. It is employed to distinguish processes, devices, or methods from mehrstufig (multi-stage). In technical writing, einstufige formulations are often contrasted with more complex multi-step arrangements.

Originating from ein- meaning "one" and Stufe meaning "stage" or "step," einstufige is the feminine singular form used attributively (as in eine einstufige Reaktion). The corresponding forms are einstufiger (masculine) and einstufiges (neuter), with standard German gender and case inflection.

Common domains where the term appears include chemistry (one-step reactions or syntheses), engineering (einstufiges Getriebe or single-stage gear systems), electronics (einstufiger Verstärker or single-stage amplifiers), and process engineering (einstufiges Verfahren). In each field, the term signals a simpler, often faster or cheaper approach, but it may have limitations compared with mehrstufig alternatives in terms of scope, efficiency, or product yield.

In usage, einstufige is typically paired with the noun it describes and agrees in gender, number, and case. For example, eine einstufige Reaktion (feminine), ein einstufiges Verfahren (neuter), or der einstufige Prozess (masculine). The concept is part of a broader classificatory language that contrasts single-stage options with multi-stage solutions across science and engineering.

See also: mehrstufig, einstufige Reaktion, einstufiges Verfahren.