Überfluss
/ˈyːbɐflʊs/
The English phrase 'abundance' is translated into German as Überfluss.
Überfluss is used to describe a large quantity of something. The idiomatic phrase im Überfluss is the standard way to express 'in abundance' when you are describing the availability of something.
Meaning: large quantity (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of über (over/above) and Fluss (flow/river), literally meaning an 'over-flow'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Überfluss is Überflüsse. To say 'of abundance', use the genitive singular form Überflusses.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈyːbɐflʊs/
Did you know?
- German has a specific term Überflussgesellschaft, which translates to 'abundance society' and is used to critique the consumerism of modern Western cultures.
- While Überfluss describes abundance, the German word Überfluss can also be used in a negative sense to describe an 'excess' that leads to waste or decadence.
- Unlike the English 'abundance', which can be used for abstract concepts like 'abundance of joy', using Überfluss for emotions in German can sometimes sound heavy or overly dramatic.
Examples in context
- Wir haben Essen im Überfluss.We have food in abundance.This sentence is useful for expressing that you have food in abundance using Überfluss.Tatoeba #614078 by virgil, translation #268671 by al_ex_an_der
- Auf der Party gab es Essen im Überfluss.At the party there was food in abundance.This sentence is useful for describing how there was food in abundance at a party using Überfluss.Tatoeba #815474 by al_ex_an_der, translation #35709 by cromwellt
- Japan hat Wasser und Menschen im Überfluss.Japan has water and people in abundance.This sentence is useful for stating that a country has water and people in abundance using Überfluss.Tatoeba #781977 by Hans_Adler, translation #11256663 by mutskt
- Die Firma besitzt einen enormen Reichtum an Ressourcen.The company has an enormous abundance of resources.
- Der Reichtum an kulturellen Angeboten in dieser Stadt ist beeindruckend.The abundance of cultural offerings in this city is impressive.
- In dieser Region gibt es eine Fülle an frischem Obst und Gemüse.In this region, there is an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Der Markt bietet eine große Fülle an einzigartigen Produkten.The market offers a wide abundance of unique products.
- Die Natur hier schenkt uns eine Fülle an Schönheit und Ruhe.The nature here provides us with an abundance of beauty and tranquility.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Lukas are looking at a garden full of vegetables.
- HannahHier gibt es einen Überfluss an Tomaten!There is an abundance of tomatoes here!
- LukasJa, wir können sie mit allen teilen.Yes, we can share them with everyone.
- HannahDas ist ein echter Überfluss.This is a real abundance.
- LukasLukas hilft dir beim Ernten, Hannah.Lukas will help you harvest them, Hannah.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Überfluss, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
