überbetontes

Überbetontes is the neuter singular form of the German adjective überbetont, meaning “overemphasized.” In linguistics and rhetoric it is used to describe something that has received more emphasis than is natural or necessary. The term is commonly applied to speech, text, or prosodic patterns where emphasis exceeds typical norms.

The concept derives from überbetonen (to overemphasize), combining über- (over) with betonen (to emphasize). In analyses, overemphasis can be intentional, as a stylistic device, or unintentional, arising from exaggerated prosody, volume, or pitch. In German, overemphasis is often discussed in relation to Betonung (stress) and Intonation, and it is contrasted with contrastive or focused emphasis that serves communicative purposes without sounding excessive.

In practice, überbetontes elements appear when a speaker, writer, or performer deliberately amplifies a syllable, word, or phrase beyond the normal pattern. This can signal emotion, indicate contrast, or draw attention to a particular point. However, excessive Überbetonung may reduce perceived naturalness or clarity and can undermine persuasiveness if used inappropriately.

Examples include saying a word with a markedly stronger stress or a phrase delivered with an unusually heightened tonal contour. For instance, “Sie geht mit überbetontem Tonfall” illustrates expressive, exaggerated emphasis on the phrase, while “das überbetonte Wort” refers to a word that has been overemphasized in a text or utterance.

See also: Betonung, Intonation, Prosodie, Sprachstil.