well - as you travel often to Europe with LH's miles&more (for members outside Germany) you need 100'000 status miles (any 12 subsequent months, no calendar year necessary) only the first time, renewing afterwards 'costs' only 80'000 miles.

And your top status (called Senator = StarAlliance Gold) is good for 24 months at least (some more months possible, depends of the timing you achieve Senator status). And if ever you fly business or first with any StarAlliance carrier, those bonus miles (business 100%, first 200%) count as status miles too.

And LH's upgrades (paid with miles) are good on any fare.