Ofstückgut

Ofstückgut refers to a specific type of land parcel in German-speaking countries, particularly in historical contexts related to land consolidation and cadastral surveys. The term essentially translates to "leftover piece" or "remainder parcel." It often denotes a small, irregularly shaped plot of land that remains after a larger area has been divided, sold, or reconfigured.

These parcels could arise from various scenarios. For instance, during agricultural land consolidation (Flurbereinigung), where individual landholdings were reorganized to create more manageable and efficient fields, smaller odd-shaped pieces might be left over at the edges of consolidated areas or between different ownership blocks. Similarly, when roads, railways, or other infrastructure projects were built, they could bisect existing properties, leaving behind smaller segments that were no longer economically viable on their own.

Ofstückgut parcels were often difficult to cultivate or utilize effectively due to their size, shape, or location. They might be prone to being overlooked or neglected. In some cases, they were incorporated into adjacent larger plots by agreement, or they remained as distinct, often unassigned, parcels in cadastral records. The management and eventual integration of ofstückgut were common challenges in land administration and planning throughout history.