An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Annotated/Stufe

by Friedrich Kluge

Stufe, feminine, ‘step, degree, grade,’ from the equivalent Middle High German stuofe, Old High German stuofa, feminine, both of which are rare (compare Dutch stoep, ‘threshold’). A graded form from the root stap, ‘to go’ (Anglo-Saxon stôpol, ‘footprint’), which appears in Modern High German Staffel and English to step. Compare also Tritt in the sense of Stufe.