Ergänzung

Ergänzung is a German noun meaning addition, supplement, or complement. It is derived from the verb ergänzen (to complete or supplement).

In everyday language, the term denotes something that completes or extends another thing, such as an addition to a list, a contract amendment, or a supplementary item in a set of documents. For example, eine Ergänzung zum Vertrag or eine Ergänzungslieferung.

In mathematics and logic, Ergänzung refers to the complement of a set relative to a universal set; the Ergänzung of A with respect to U is U\A. This usage is closely related to the concept of a set-theoretic complement, although the term Komplement is also common in many texts.

In grammar, Ergänzung designates a complement, a syntactic constituent that completes the meaning of a verb or sentence, such as an object or a clause. For instance, in a sentence like Ich glaube, dass er kommt, the clause dass er kommt can function as an Ergänzung to the verb glauben.

In nutrition and health, Nahrungsergänzungsmittel refers to dietary supplements intended to supplement the normal diet, such as vitamins, minerals, or amino acids; regulation and safety vary by jurisdiction. These products are commonly sold to address perceived gaps in nutrient intake or to support health in specific conditions.