German word

Überrest

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈyːbɐˌʁɛst/

Meaning

  • masculine nounleftover

Example

Nach dem Essen blieben nur ein paar Überreste auf dem Teller.

After the meal, only a few leftovers remained on the plate.

Illustration for Überrest (leftover)

More examples

Im Museum sind historische Überreste ausgestellt.

Historical relics are on display in the museum.

Core concept

Something left over as evidence of what used to be larger, from scraps on a plate to remnants of a past culture.

Common phrases

  • historische Überreste

    historical relics

  • nur noch kleine Überreste

    only small remnants left

Similar words

Reste: Small amounts left over, especially scraps of food in everyday use.
Überbleibsel: A remaining trace or part of something that once existed.
Trümmer: Broken, scattered pieces left after destruction, especially rubble.
Relikt: A cultural or historical remnant preserved from an earlier time.

Definition in German

Ein Überrest ist ein Teil von etwas, das früher größer war und jetzt übrig geblieben ist.

Word origin

Überrest was formed in German from the established noun Rest with the prefix über, creating a word for a surviving remainder.

Usage tips

  • For ordinary leftover food, German usually uses Reste, while Überreste suits remains, relics, or more formal descriptions.

Other meanings

  • remnantnoun
  • relicnoun

Opposites

  • Gesamtheittotalitynoun

Word lists with this word