An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Staffel

by Friedrich Kluge

Staffel, f., ‘rung; step, degree,’ from MidHG. staffel (stâffel, usually stapfel), m. and f., ‘grade, degree,’ OHG. stā̆ffal (stapsal), m., staffala, f., ‘foundation, basis, step.’ A derivative of the Teut. root stap, ‘to go’ (in Stapfe and Stufe); allied to the LG. cognates of Stapel.