Gesamtblick

Gesamtblick is a German term used to denote an overarching, comprehensive view of a subject, emphasizing the integration of its parts rather than their individual examination. The word combines Gesamt (total, complete) and Blick (view). In English, it is commonly translated as a holistic view or overall perspective.

In practical discourse, the term appears across disciplines to stress the importance of considering interdependencies, context, and long-term outcomes. In urban planning, a Gesamtblick implies assessing infrastructure, ecology, housing, economy, and social factors together. In management and strategy, it refers to aligning resources, processes, and goals to achieve coherent results. In education and research, it signals an approach that integrates multiple disciplines and viewpoints.

Critics note that achieving a true Gesamtblick can be challenging due to complexity and trade-offs; therefore the concept is often approached through frameworks such as systems thinking, sustainability, or interdisciplinary methods. The term is more common in German-language discourse and is sometimes used to advocate for multidisciplinary perspectives, whether in policy discussions, design, or organizational practice.

Related terms include Ganzheit (wholeness), Ganzheitlichkeit (holism), Gesamtbild (overall picture), and Systemdenken (systems thinking). While the exact usage varies, Gesamtblick typically conveys the goal of understanding phenomena as integrated wholes rather than as isolated parts.