1. Step, Stage:
This is the most common meaning. It refers to a step, a stage, or a level.
* Beispiel:
* "Die Treppe hat fünf Staffeln." (The staircase has five steps.)
* "Der Preis ist in mehreren Staffeln zu bezahlen." (The price is payable in several installments.)
2. Echelon, Rank:
This meaning refers to a hierarchical level, like a rank in the military or a management level in a company.
* Beispiel:
* "Er ist in der höheren Staffel des Managements." (He is in the higher management echelon.)
3. Group, Team:
This meaning is less common but can be used to refer to a group or a team.
* Beispiel:
* "Die Staffel der Läufer hat gewonnen." (The relay team won.)
4. Relay Race:
This is a more specific meaning, referring to a relay race.
* Beispiel:
* "Sie haben an der 4x100m Staffel teilgenommen." (They participated in the 4x100 meter relay.)
In order to understand the specific meaning of "STAFFEL," you need to consider the context of the sentence.