Gesamtinhalt

Gesamtinhalt is a German term used on product packaging to indicate the total quantity of all contents contained in a package. It refers to the combined amount of material that is present inside the package and available for use by the consumer, including all components and items that constitute the product as sold.

The term is particularly common for multi-item packages, gift sets, or assortment products where several items contribute to the overall content. For example, a box containing three creams might display Gesamtinhalt: 150 ml or Gesamtinhalt: 3 x 50 ml. In such contexts, Gesamtinhalt communicates the total volume or count of all contents within the package, not just a single component.

Gesamtinhalt is distinct from related terms used in labeling. In many jurisdictions, the net quantity or Nettofüllmenge (or Nettoinhalt) describes the amount of the product itself, excluding packaging and non-product components. Gesamtinhalt, by contrast, focuses on the combined content of the package as sold, which is especially relevant for sets, bundles, or products with multiple sub-items.

Regulatory usage of the term varies by country and sector. Some industries prefer other designations such as Inhalten or Nettoangaben, depending on labeling laws and consumer-protection guidelines. Nevertheless, Gesamtinhalt remains a practical and widely understood way to convey the total content of a package in German-speaking markets.

Etymology: Gesamtinhalt combines Gesamt (total, whole) with Inhalt (content, substance).