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German Level 3 adjective

übrig

/ˈyːbrɪç/

Definition

Remaining or left over after the rest has been used, taken, or dealt with.

Example

Hast du noch etwas Geld übrig für das Essen?

Show translation

Do you still have any money left over for the food?

Etymology

From Middle High German *überig*, derived from *über* ("over, above") + the suffix *-ig*. The core idea is of something that remains "above" or beyond what was needed — a surplus left standing after use.

Cultural note

Germans commonly use the fixed phrase **übrig bleiben** ("to be left over") and **übrig lassen** ("to leave something over/behind"). A culturally familiar context is food: *Was bleibt übrig?* ("What's left over?") is a natural question after a meal. Be careful not to confuse *übrig* with *übrigens* — they share a root but *übrigens* means "by the way," a very different function.

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