En 15 secondes
- Used for ideas or tech that are no longer relevant.
- Literally means 'overtaken' by time or progress.
- Perfect for professional, academic, or casual debates.
Signification
This phrase describes something that is no longer relevant, useful, or modern. It's like saying a piece of technology or an old rule has been 'overtaken' by time and is now useless.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Discussing an old computer
Dieses Betriebssystem ist völlig überholt.
This operating system is completely obsolete.
Talking about outdated social norms
Die Vorstellung, dass nur Männer arbeiten, ist längst überholt.
The idea that only men work is long since obsolete.
In a business meeting
Unsere Marketingstrategie aus dem letzten Jahr ist leider schon überholt.
Our marketing strategy from last year is unfortunately already outdated.
Contexte culturel
In German business culture, calling a process 'überholt' is a serious critique. It implies that the company is losing its competitive edge (Wettbewerbsfähigkeit). In Swiss political discourse, the term is often used regarding 'Direkte Demokratie'—some argue certain voting methods are 'überholt', while others defend them as tradition. In Vienna, you might hear this in relation to the 'Kaffeehauskultur'. While the tradition is loved, some of the stricter, older service rules are seen as 'überholt' by the younger generation. In the startup world (even in Berlin), 'überholt' is the ultimate kiss of death for a product. It means the 'MVP' (Minimum Viable Product) is no longer viable.
Use with 'längst'
Native speakers almost always say 'längst überholt' to add emphasis. It makes you sound much more natural.
Not for food!
Never use this for food. Use 'abgelaufen' for the date or 'schlecht' if it smells.
En 15 secondes
- Used for ideas or tech that are no longer relevant.
- Literally means 'overtaken' by time or progress.
- Perfect for professional, academic, or casual debates.
What It Means
Imagine you are driving on the Autobahn. A faster car zooms past you. You have been überholt (overtaken). In a metaphorical sense, this is exactly what happens to ideas, technology, or laws. Time and progress move so fast that the old stuff just can't keep up. When you say something is überholt, you mean it belongs in a museum or a history book, not in your current life. It is not just 'old'; it is officially out of date.
How To Use It
You use this phrase just like an adjective with the verb sein. You can talk about a Theorie (theory), a Modell (model), or even Ansichten (views). It is very flexible. You can say "Das ist überholt" to shut down an old-fashioned argument. It sounds more sophisticated than just saying something is 'alt'. It implies that the world has moved on and left that thing behind. Use it when you want to sound smart and decisive.
When To Use It
Use it in the office when someone suggests a strategy from 1995. It is perfect for discussing technology, like that flip phone your uncle still uses. You can also use it for social norms that feel dusty and restrictive. If you are debating politics or science, this is your go-to word. It works great when you are texting a friend about a movie that hasn't aged well. It adds a bit of intellectual weight to your critique.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for people! If you call your grandma überholt, she might not give you any more cake. It is for things, ideas, and systems, not humans. Also, don't use it for things that are 'vintage' in a cool way. A classic vinyl record isn't überholt because it still has value. Use it only for things that have lost their purpose because something better replaced them. Avoid it for food; bread isn't überholt, it's just altbacken or schimmelig.
Cultural Background
Germans love efficiency and progress. The word comes from the world of traffic and racing. In a culture that prides itself on 'Vorsprung durch Technik' (progress through technology), being 'overtaken' is the ultimate sign of failure. It reflects a mindset that values staying current and updated. It became very popular during the industrial and digital revolutions. It shows how much we value moving forward rather than clinging to the past.
Common Variations
You might hear völlig überholt (completely obsolete) or längst überholt (long since obsolete). If you want to be more formal, you can use veraltet. If you are talking about software, you might say outdated. But überholt remains the strongest way to say something has lost the race against time. It’s punchy, clear, and very German.
Notes d'usage
The phrase is neutral and safe for both work and home. Just remember it applies to abstract things and objects, not people.
Use with 'längst'
Native speakers almost always say 'längst überholt' to add emphasis. It makes you sound much more natural.
Not for food!
Never use this for food. Use 'abgelaufen' for the date or 'schlecht' if it smells.
Polite criticism
In a job interview, if you want to criticize your old company's methods, use 'überholt'. It sounds objective rather than personal.
Exemples
6Dieses Betriebssystem ist völlig überholt.
This operating system is completely obsolete.
Commonly used for technology that no longer receives updates.
Die Vorstellung, dass nur Männer arbeiten, ist längst überholt.
The idea that only men work is long since obsolete.
Great for discussing social progress.
Unsere Marketingstrategie aus dem letzten Jahr ist leider schon überholt.
Our marketing strategy from last year is unfortunately already outdated.
Shows that you are aware of market changes.
Die Witze in dem Film sind echt überholt.
The jokes in that movie are really dated.
Casual way to criticize humor that didn't age well.
Mein Wissen über Popkultur ist seit 2010 überholt.
My knowledge of pop culture has been obsolete since 2010.
Self-deprecating humor about getting older.
Diese Gesetze sind einfach überholt und behindern uns.
These laws are simply obsolete and are hindering us.
Used to express emotional frustration with slow systems.
Teste-toi
Fülle die Lücke mit der richtigen Form von 'überholt sein'.
Die Meinung, dass nur Männer arbeiten sollten, ist heute längst _______.
In this context, we need the past participle acting as an adjective.
Welcher Satz ist korrekt?
Wann benutzt man 'überholt'?
'Überholt' refers to relevance and modernity, not biological age or food spoilage.
Vervollständige den Dialog.
A: Sollen wir das Fax benutzen? B: Nein, das ist doch _______!
Fax machines are a classic example of 'überholte Technik'.
Welches Wort passt am besten?
Ein Computer aus dem Jahr 2005 ist heute...
Even if it still works, it is technically outdated.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Überholt vs. Kaputt
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesDie Meinung, dass nur Männer arbeiten sollten, ist heute längst _______.
In this context, we need the past participle acting as an adjective.
Wann benutzt man 'überholt'?
'Überholt' refers to relevance and modernity, not biological age or food spoilage.
A: Sollen wir das Fax benutzen? B: Nein, das ist doch _______!
Fax machines are a classic example of 'überholte Technik'.
Ein Computer aus dem Jahr 2005 ist heute...
Even if it still works, it is technically outdated.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's better to say 'Er hat veraltete Ansichten' (He has outdated views). Calling a person 'überholt' sounds like they are a machine.
'Veraltet' just means old/outdated. 'Überholt' implies that something newer and better has taken its place.
It's neutral. You can use it with friends or in a scientific paper.
It's usually used with 'sein'. Ich bin überholt (wrong context), es ist überholt (correct).
Yes! 'Ein überholter Motor' can mean a refurbished engine. Context is everything.
Very often. Politicians love calling their opponents' ideas 'überholt'.
Yes, but 'aus der Mode' is more common for specific clothes.
The opposite is 'aktuell' or 'auf dem neuesten Stand'.
As an adjective, it takes endings: 'überholte Ideen' (plural).
It's quite firm. It suggests there is no point in using the thing anymore.
Expressions liées
veraltet
synonymoutdated
aus der Mode
similarout of fashion
auf dem neuesten Stand
contrastup to date
zum alten Eisen gehören
similarto be over the hill / ready for the scrap heap
