surplus
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surplus
An amount that remains after all costs or consumption have been deducted; a surplus of money, goods, or resources.
Das Unternehmen hat im letzten Geschäftsjahr einen Überschuss von fünf Millionen Euro erwirtschaftet.
The company generated a surplus of five million euros in the last fiscal year.
The word consists of 'über' (over) and 'Schuss' (shot). Figuratively, it describes something that 'shoots beyond' the normal measure or target and is therefore left over.
Durch gute Planung entstand ein Überschuss im Budget.
Good planning created a surplus in the budget.
'Überschuss' (surplus) is very often used with the preposition 'an' followed by a noun in the dative to say what there is too much of.
Wir haben einen Überschuss an Bewerbungen für die Stelle erhalten.
We received a surplus of applications for the position.
In an economic context, 'Überschuss' (surplus) is often combined with verbs like 'erwirtschaften' (to generate), 'erzielen' (to achieve), or 'produzieren' (to produce).
Das Land hat dieses Jahr einen hohen Exportüberschuss erzielt.
The country achieved a high export surplus this year.
Outside of economics, the word describes an excess of non-material things. Typical combinations are 'ein Überschuss an Energie' (an excess of energy), 'an Kreativität' (of creativity), or 'an Informationen' (of information).
Nach dem Kaffee hatte er einen Überschuss an Energie und konnte nicht still sitzen.
After the coffee, he had an excess of energy and couldn't sit still.
rest / remainder
'der Rest' and 'der Überschuss' can both mean something that remains after something has been used or after a calculation. 'der Rest' is neutral and general: it is simply the part that is still there. 'der Überschuss' is more about having more than you need, or a positive amount left after costs have been deducted. The word often fits with money, goods, energy, or resources. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with 'being left over'. Remember: a 'Rest' can be small or accidental; an 'Überschuss' means that there is too much or something extra available.
Nach dem Verkauf spendet der Verein den Überschuss an die Schule.
After the sale, the association donates the surplus to the school.
Herr Müller benutzt den Rest des Holzes für ein kleines Regal.
Mr. Müller uses the rest of the wood for a small shelf.