Restsämtlichen

Restsämtlichen is a German attributive adjective formed by combining Rest (remainder) and sämtlich (all, every). It is used to indicate that all of what remains is included, as in “the rest of the items.” The term is most commonly found in formal, administrative, or legal contexts, where emphasis on completeness of what remains is desired. In everyday language, speakers typically prefer phrases like restlichen, übrigen, or sämtliche übrigen.

Etymology and formation: The word blends two base elements, with Rest signaling what remains and sämtlich signaling totality. As an adjective, restsämtlich follows standard German declension rules and normally appears directly before a noun. Its inflected form varies with case, number, and determiner. In plural with a definite determiner, it often appears as restsämtlichen (for example: die restsämtlichen Forderungen). Without a determiner, the strong form restsämtliche is possible (for example: restsämtliche Forderungen bleiben offen).

Usage and nuance: restsämtlich stresses the completeness of the remainder. It can carry a formal or legal tone and may be chosen for precision in cataloging, inventories, or summaries where nothing is left out beyond what has already been specified. Because of its formality and relative rarity, many writers substitute more common alternatives such as sämtliche übrigen, alle übrigen, or restliche (with appropriate inflection).

Examples: Die restsämtlichen Unterlagen wurden geprüft. Restsämtliche Ansprüche sind anerkannt.

See also: sämtlich, übrige, restlich.

Note: Restsämtlich is infrequently used in everyday language; in contemporary prose, journalists and editors often prefer clearer alternatives to avoid archaism or ambiguity.