das  Übergewicht

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˌyːbɐɡəˈvɪçt/

⚖️ What Exactly Does Übergewicht Mean?

Das Übergewicht (noun, neuter) refers to a state where a person's body weight is above the level considered normal or healthy. It usually relates to an excess of body fat that can pose health risks.

• Main meaning: Body weight that is above normal weight, often defined by the Body Mass Index (BMI).
• Figurative meaning (rare): An excessive amount or dominance in a specific area (e.g., politisches Übergewicht - political dominance - of a party).

Since it represents a state or concept, the word is neuter and takes the article das.

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Das Übergewicht

The noun "Übergewicht" is neuter (das) and is normally only used in the singular, as it describes a state.

Example Sentences

1. Viele Krankheiten werden durch das Übergewicht begünstigt.
   (Many illnesses are promoted by being overweight.)

2. Der Arzt sprach mit ihm über die Risiken des Übergewichts.
   (The doctor talked to him about the risks of being overweight.)

3. Mit ausreichend Bewegung kann man dem Übergewicht entgegenwirken.
   (With enough exercise, one can counteract being overweight.)

4. Sie hat ihr Übergewicht durch eine Ernährungsumstellung reduziert.
   (She reduced her excess weight through a change in diet.)

🗣️ How to Use "Übergewicht"?

"Übergewicht" is mainly used in the context of health, nutrition, and medicine. It describes the physical condition.

• Medical context: Diagnosis, risk factor for diseases (e.g., "Übergewicht erhöht das Risiko für Diabetes Typ 2." - Being overweight increases the risk of type 2 diabetes.)
• Everyday language: Describing one's own or someone else's body weight (e.g., "Er kämpft schon lange mit seinem Übergewicht." - He has been struggling with his excess weight for a long time.)
• Nutrition & Diet: Topic in weight reduction (e.g., "Tipps zur Vermeidung von Übergewicht." - Tips for avoiding excess weight.)
• Figurative (rare): To express dominance or imbalance (e.g., "Das politische Übergewicht der Regierungspartei ist deutlich." - The political dominance of the ruling party is clear.). This usage is less common than the literal one.

⚠️ Avoid using the term in a derogatory or hurtful way. It is primarily a medical or descriptive term.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic: Think of das Gewicht (the weight). What is "more than" (über) the normal weight? Das Übergewicht. The base word Gewicht is neuter, so the compound word remains neuter.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine weighing scales (eine Waage). When the indicator goes über (over/above) the normal Gewicht (weight), you have... Übergewicht! ⚖️➡️⬆️

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

Similar but Misleading Words:

• Gewicht: (Weight) The general term for mass, not specifically for too much of it.
• Überlegenheit: (Superiority) Refers to dominance or better quality, not body weight.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Arzt den Patienten: "Haben Sie Übergewicht?"
Antwortet der Patient: "Nein, ich habe es nur dabei."

Translation:
The doctor asks the patient: "Are you overweight?" (Literally: "Do you have excess weight?")
The patient replies: "No, I just have it with me." (Playing on the literal meaning of "haben" - to have)

📜 A Little Poem

Das Gewicht, es zeigt nach oben,
man fühlt sich etwas unbehoben.
Die Waage spricht von "Über",
Gesundheit rückt herüber.
Doch Mut, es ist zu schaffen,
dem Übergewicht zu entwaffen.

Translation:
The weight, it points upwards,
one feels a bit awkward.
The scale speaks of "Over",
Health moves closer.
But courage, it can be done,
to disarm the excess weight.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin oft auf der Waage zu sehen,
wenn die Zahlen nach oben gehen.
Ärzte warnen vor mir oft,
weil Gesundheit man sich erhofft.
Ich bin mehr als normal,
manchmal eine Qual.

Was bin ich?

Translation:
I am often seen on the scale,
when the numbers go up.
Doctors often warn about me,
because health is hoped for.
I am more than normal,
sometimes a torment.

What am I?

Solution: das Übergewicht (overweight / excess weight)

💡 Other Information

Word Composition: The word "Übergewicht" is a compound noun, composed of:

• über- (Prefix, meaning 'over', 'excess', 'too much' here)
• das Gewicht (Base word, noun, neuter - the weight)

Context BMI: The term "Übergewicht" is often used in connection with the Body Mass Index (BMI). According to the WHO, a BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight (Übergewicht).