Überhang

Überhang is a German noun meaning overhang or surplus. It derives from über (over) and hängen (to hang). The term is used for both literal and figurative excess: something that projects beyond a boundary, or a quantity that exceeds a reference point.

In physical contexts, Überhang denotes a part of a structure or landscape that extends over an edge, such as a rock overhang or a roof that hangs over a wall.

In economics and logistics, Überhang can denote an excess or surplus of something, such as an Überhang an Angebot (excess supply) or a stockpile that cannot be moved easily. It may describe imbalances where demand or capacity exceeds available resources.

In politics, especially in Germany and Austria, the term appears in the concept of Überhangmandat. If a party wins more constituencies than its overall vote share would justify under a proportional system, it gains overhang seats. This can lead to a larger parliament; to preserve proportionality, additional compensatory seats, Ausgleichsmandate, are allocated to other parties. The mechanism is a distinctive feature of mixed-member electoral systems and has been subject to reform debates.

See also: Überschuss, Ausgleichsmandat, Bundestag (for context).