übermäßig
excessive
Describing a degree or extent that is greater than normal, appropriate, or healthy; excessive.
EXAMPLE
Übermäßiger Zuckerkonsum kann zu gesundheitlichen Problemen führen.
Excessive sugar consumption can lead to health problems.
übermäßig
excessive
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is easy to understand if you look at its parts: 'über' (too much) + 'Maß' (the right measure) + '-ig' (adjective ending). So it literally means 'above the normal measure.'
EXAMPLE
Sein Verhalten war übermäßig und für alle peinlich.
His behavior was excessive and embarrassing for everyone.
Negative meaning
'Übermäßig' (excessive) almost always has a negative connotation. It does not just describe a large amount, but implies that this amount is too large and therefore unhealthy, inappropriate, or harmful.
EXAMPLE
Er leidet unter übermäßigem Stress bei der Arbeit.
He suffers from excessive stress at work.
Use as an adverb
'Übermäßig' (excessive/excessively) can not only stand before a noun, but can also be used as an adverb to modify a verb or adjective. It then means 'in an excessive way.'
EXAMPLE
Sie freute sich übermäßig über das kleine Geschenk.
She was excessively happy about the small gift.
Compare with
übermäßig vs überdurchschnittlich
above average
Überdurchschnittlich means, neutrally, that something is above average or above the normal value. Übermäßig also means more than normal, but evaluates this amount as too much, inappropriate, or potentially unhealthy. Use überdurchschnittlich for a comparison and übermäßig when the amount seems problematic.
übermäßig
Sie arbeitet übermäßig lange und ist deshalb seit Tagen erschöpft.
She works excessively long hours and has therefore been exhausted for days.
überdurchschnittlich
Sie arbeitet überdurchschnittlich lange und schafft deshalb besonders viel.
She works longer than average and therefore gets especially much done.
In real life
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