überschüssig
/ˈyːbɐˌʃʏsɪç/
In German, the adjective for 'spare' in the sense of being over and above what is necessary is überschüssig. Wiktionary also lists überflüssig.
Meaning: being over and above what is necessary (adj)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| überschüssig | /ˈyːbɐˌʃʏsɪç/ /ˈyːbɐˌʃʏsɪk/ |
| überflüssig | /ˈyːbɐˌflʏsɪç/ /ˈyːbɐˌflʏsɪk/ |
Depending on the context, you might use one of two different adjectives to describe whether that extra amount is a useful surplus or an unnecessary burden.
What does it mean word for word?
The word überschüssig is composed of the prefix über- (over/above) and Schuss (shot/burst/excess), literally meaning 'above the required amount'.
Which one should you use?
Use überschüssig to express a positive or neutral surplus, such as extra money or surplus energy that is available for use. Use überflüssig to express a negative sense, describing something that is superfluous, redundant or unnecessary, often implying it is no longer needed or is even annoying.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈyːbɐˌʃʏsɪç/
Did you know?
- German speakers use the word Ersatz for a 'spare' part, which has entered the English language to describe an inferior substitute or imitation.
- The word überflüssig is a linguistic 'copycat' known as a calque. It was built by translating the Latin 'super' to 'über' and 'fluere' (to flow) to 'flüssig', mirroring the English word 'superfluous'.
- Using überflüssig to describe a person can be quite insulting. While in English 'superfluous' describes an object, calling a person überflüssig implies they are completely useless or no longer have a purpose.
Examples in context
- Ich benötige einen Ersatz für meinen defekten Laptop.I need a spare (replacement) for my broken laptop.
- Ich brauche ein Ersatzteil für meine Fahrradbremse.I need a spare part for my bicycle brake.
- Hast du vielleicht ein Extra-Handtuch für mich?Do you happen to have a spare towel for me?
- Kannst du mir bitte ein Ersatzstück für das gebrochene Glas geben?Can you please give me a spare (replacement) piece for the broken glass?
- Wir haben überschüssige Waren im Lager.We have spare goods in the warehouse.
- Das Gerät hat überschüssige Energie.The device has spare energy.
- Bitte entsorgen Sie das überschüssige Material.Please dispose of the spare material.
Example conversation
Lukas and Laura are organizing an office supply room.
- LukasLaura, hast du das überschüssige Papier gefunden?Laura, did you find the spare paper?
- LauraJa, Lukas, es liegt in der Ecke.Yes, Lukas, it is lying in the corner.
- LukasGut, wir brauchen es nicht mehr.Good, we don't need it anymore.
- LauraIch bringe es sofort weg.I will take it away immediately.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “spare” translations and entries überschüssig, überflüssig, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries überflüssig, überschüssig, CC BY-SA 4.0.
