überflutet

Überflutet is a German adjective and the past participle of the verb überfluten. It describes something that has been covered or saturated by water as a result of flooding. Common uses include landscapes, streets, buildings, and infrastructure that are submerged. The term can also be used metaphorically to convey being overwhelmed by something, for example: Die Stadt ist überflutet von Wasser or Ich bin von Anfragen überflutet.

Etymology and usage notes: Überflutet is formed from the prefix über- (over) and fluten (to flood). The related noun Überflutung denotes inundation or flooding. In hydrological and weather reporting, Überflutung emphasizes the state of being submerged, whereas Hochwasser refers more specifically to the flood event itself. Figuratively, the expression is widely used in everyday German to describe being overwhelmed, such as information, emails, or demands: Ich bin von E-Mails überflutet.

Related concepts: The term is closely tied to terms describing flood risk and water management, such as Hochwasser, Überschwemmung (flooding in general), and Überflutungsgefahr (flooding danger). While überflutet often refers to water, its figurative uses extend to any overflow or overload, making it a common descriptor in journalism, disaster reporting, and everyday language.