Übersichten

Übersichten is a German term that denotes concise representations intended to give a quick, at-a-glance understanding of a subject. The plural Übersichten refers to multiple such representations or to collections of overview documents. The word combines über, meaning over or across, with Sicht, view, so Übersicht literally means an “over-view.” In usage, Übersicht can describe textual summaries, visual diagrams, or any format that presents the main features, relationships, or developments of a topic in a compact form.

In practice, Übersichten appear in many domains. In journalism, they are used as Lageübersichten or overviews of current events. In academia, literature reviews are often called Literaturübersichten or Übersichten and serve to survey existing research. In business and administration, Übersichten summarize key metrics, risk factors, or project status, frequently seen as dashboards or tables labeled “Übersicht der Kennzahlen” or “Übersicht der Ergebnisse.” In education, course materials may include thematic Übersichten to outline topics and their connections. The term is also used for visual tools such as charts, diagrams, or mind maps that render complex information more accessible.

Übersichten are distinct from Inhaltsverzeichnisse (tables of contents) and Zusammenfassungen (summaries). While a Zusammenfassung condenses a whole text, a Übersichts generally emphasizes the broad structure and key elements, often to facilitate quick orientation or comparison. The plural Übersichten is common when referring to multiple such overviews in a report, publication, or set of materials.