Nebenbereiche

Nebenbereiche is a German term used to describe secondary or ancillary areas, sectors, or sections that are adjacent to or subordinate to a primary area. The word is formed from neben (beside) and bereich (area or sector). It is used across various domains to denote parts that support or surround the main focus.

In urban planning and geography, Nebenbereiche refer to peripheral or neighboring parts of a city or region that complement the central core. They are considered in zoning, infrastructure planning, and regional development, and may include residential belts, industrial zones, or suburban districts that are not part of the central urban area.

In organizational contexts, Nebenbereiche denote departments, divisions, or services that support the core business but are not the primary operating units. Examples include information technology, human resources, facilities management, or administrative services; these areas are often described alongside the main organizational units.

In culture, museums, retail, and exhibitions, Nebenbereiche can refer to auxiliary exhibition halls, annexes, or side sections that supplement the main display or sales floor.

In research and academia, Nebenbereiche may describe subfields or ancillary topics related to a primary field of study.

Usage notes: the term is generally neutral, but its connotation can vary by context. In planning documents it signals a formal structuring of space or activity, while in everyday language it may simply refer to secondary areas.

See also: Randgebiet, Peripherie, Nebenräume, Teilbereiche, Subregionen.