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übertreffen

A2 verb #5,500 가장 일반적인 14분 분량

übertreffen

상위 5,500

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 übertreffen 30초 만에

설명 übertreffen in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'übertreffen' might seem a bit advanced, but its basic concept is very simple: it's about being 'better than' or 'more than.' At this stage, you are mostly learning how to compare things using 'gut, besser, am besten.' 'Übertreffen' is like a shortcut for saying 'besser sein als.' Imagine you are playing a game with a friend. If you have 10 points and your friend has 12 points, your friend has 'surpassed' you. In German, we would say: 'Mein Freund übertrifft mich.' Even though you are just starting, knowing this word helps you understand that German has specific verbs for actions that we often describe with multiple words in English. You don't need to use it in every sentence, but recognizing it in simple stories or when someone talks about sports will give you a head start. Focus on the idea of 'going over' a line. If you think of a line on a wall that shows how tall you are, and next year you are taller than that line, you have 'surpassed' your old height. This visual idea is the core of 'übertreffen.' At A1, you should just try to remember that 'über' means 'over' and 'treffen' means 'to hit.' So, you are 'hitting over' the mark. It's a positive word used when someone does a great job. For example, if you cook a meal and it tastes very good, your teacher might say, 'Das übertrifft meine Erwartungen!' (That exceeds my expectations!). Even if you don't know all the grammar yet, hearing that word means you did something excellent. Just remember the basic form and don't worry too much about the complicated past tense forms yet. Just see it as a way to say 'super' or 'better than expected.'

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At the A2 level, you are beginning to describe your daily life, your work, and your personal goals in more detail. This is where 'übertreffen' becomes very useful. You can use it to talk about your progress in learning German—perhaps your test results 'übertreffen' your hopes! At this level, it is important to notice that 'übertreffen' is an inseparable verb. This means the 'über-' part always stays with the 'treffen' part. You also need to start noticing the small change in the middle of the word: 'ich übertreffe,' but 'er übertrifft.' This 'e' to 'i' change is common in many German verbs, and 'übertreffen' follows this rule because it is based on the verb 'treffen.' You will often see this word in short news articles or advertisements. For example, a phone might be advertised as having a battery that 'übertrifft' all others. In your own speaking, you can use it to give compliments. If a friend makes a very good cake, you can say, 'Dieser Kuchen übertrifft den vom letzten Mal!' (This cake surpasses the one from last time!). Using 'übertreffen' instead of just 'ist besser als' makes your German sound more advanced and precise. You should also learn the phrase 'Erwartungen übertreffen' (to exceed expectations) as a single chunk of language. It is used so often that it's worth memorizing. At A2, you are building the foundation for more complex sentences, and 'übertreffen' is a perfect 'bridge' word that takes you from simple descriptions to more nuanced comparisons. Try to use it when talking about your hobbies or your work achievements to practice the Akkusativ object that follows the verb.

As a B1 learner, you are expected to handle more professional and social situations with confidence. 'Übertreffen' is a key verb for the workplace and for discussing more abstract topics like success and ambition. At this level, you should master the past tense forms: the Präteritum 'übertraf' (used in writing) and the Perfekt 'hat übertroffen' (used in speaking). Notice that the past participle 'übertroffen' does NOT have a 'ge-' because the verb is inseparable. This is a common point of confusion for B1 students. You should also start using the reflexive form 'sich selbst übertreffen.' This is a very common way to describe personal growth or a peak performance. For example, 'In der Prüfung habe ich mich selbst übertroffen' (I outdid myself in the exam). You will also encounter 'übertreffen' in more complex sentence structures, such as subordinate clauses: 'Ich bin froh, dass die Ergebnisse unsere kühnsten Träume übertroffen haben.' At B1, you are also learning to differentiate between similar verbs. You should know that 'übertreffen' is used for qualities and records, while 'übersteigen' is often used for numerical limits like budgets or prices. If the cost of a project is more than the money you have, you would say 'Die Kosten übersteigen das Budget.' But if the quality of the work is better than expected, you say 'Die Qualität übertrifft die Erwartungen.' This distinction is a hallmark of a B1 level of proficiency. You can also start using the preposition 'an' to specify the area of excellence: 'Er übertrifft alle an Ausdauer' (He surpasses everyone in endurance). This allows you to make very specific and professional-sounding observations.

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At the B2 level, you should be able to use 'übertreffen' fluently in both formal and informal contexts. You should understand its nuances in business German, where it is used to describe market trends, competitor analysis, and KPI achievements. You should be comfortable using it in the passive voice, which is common in formal reporting: 'Die Erwartungen wurden bei weitem übertroffen.' This level also requires you to understand the idiomatic weight of the word. When you use 'übertreffen,' you are making a strong statement about superiority. You should also be aware of common intensifiers that go with it, such as 'bei weitem,' 'um Längen,' or 'bei weitem nicht' (for when something fails to surpass a mark). At B2, your vocabulary should be rich enough to choose between 'übertreffen' and its more specific synonyms like 'überflügeln' (to outwing/outperform a competitor) or 'überbieten' (to outbid or beat a record). You might use 'überflügeln' when talking about a startup that has become more successful than an established company. Furthermore, you should be able to discuss the cultural implications of the word. In a German-speaking environment, 'sich selbst zu übertreffen' is a highly regarded trait, reflecting the value placed on constant improvement and excellence. In your writing, you can use 'übertreffen' to create a more sophisticated tone. Instead of saying 'Das Wetter war besser als gedacht,' you could write 'Das Wetter übertraf alle Vorhersagen.' This subtle shift in vocabulary demonstrates a higher level of linguistic control and a better grasp of German stylistic conventions.

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At the C1 level, you have a deep and nuanced understanding of 'übertreffen.' You can use it metaphorically and in complex literary or academic contexts. You understand that 'übertreffen' can also be used in a negative or ironic sense, though this is rarer. You are familiar with the noun 'Übertreffung,' although it is much less common than the verb itself. Your focus at this level is on the perfect integration of the verb into high-level discourse. You might use it to discuss historical developments, scientific breakthroughs, or philosophical concepts. For example, 'Die Komplexität dieses Problems übertrifft unser gegenwärtiges Verständnis' (The complexity of this problem surpasses our current understanding). You should also be able to distinguish between 'übertreffen' and very high-level synonyms like 'transzendieren' (to transcend) in philosophical contexts. While 'übertreffen' is about being better or more, 'transzendieren' is about going beyond the very nature of something. At C1, you also recognize the word in classical literature or formal speeches where it might be used to describe the sublime or the extraordinary. You should be able to use the verb in all its forms, including the Konjunktiv II for hypothetical situations: 'Es wäre schwer, diese Leistung noch zu übertreffen' (It would be difficult to surpass this achievement). Your use of the verb should be effortless, showing an awareness of its rhythmic stress and its place within the broader landscape of German verbs of comparison. You should also be able to explain the subtle differences in connotation between 'übertreffen' and 'überragen' (to tower over/excel prominently) to lower-level learners, demonstrating your mastery of the language's finer points.

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At the C2 level, your mastery of 'übertreffen' is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. You use the word with absolute precision, often employing it to add rhetorical weight to your arguments or to describe nuanced shades of excellence. You are aware of the word's etymological roots and how it relates to other verbs in the 'treffen' family, and you can play with these relationships in creative writing or sophisticated wordplay. You understand the historical usage of the word and how its frequency might have changed in different eras of German literature. In professional or academic settings, you use 'übertreffen' to summarize complex data sets or to evaluate the significance of new research. You might use it in a phrase like 'Die ästhetische Wirkung dieses Werkes übertrifft jegliche Beschreibung' (The aesthetic effect of this work surpasses all description), showing an ability to use the verb to describe the ineffable. You are also a master of the register; you know exactly when 'übertreffen' is too formal and when 'toppen' or a simple 'besser sein' is more appropriate. Your command of collocations is complete; you don't just know 'Erwartungen übertreffen,' but also more obscure ones like 'sich an Kühnheit übertreffen' (to surpass oneself in boldness). At this level, the verb is no longer a 'vocabulary word' to be studied, but a flexible tool in your linguistic arsenal, used to express the highest levels of achievement, comparison, and superlative quality across all domains of human experience.

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übertreffen 30초 만에

Übertreffen means to exceed or surpass a limit, expectation, or competitor.
It is an inseparable strong verb: übertrifft, übertraf, hat übertroffen.
It always takes an Akkusativ object (the thing or person being surpassed).
Commonly used in sports, business, and for giving high praise.

The German verb übertreffen is a powerful and versatile word that translates most directly to 'to exceed,' 'to surpass,' or 'to outdo.' At its core, it describes a situation where something or someone goes beyond a set limit, a previous record, or an expected level of quality. It is a transitive verb, meaning it always requires a direct object in the Akkusativ case—the person or thing that is being surpassed. Whether you are discussing sports, business metrics, or personal growth, übertreffen captures the essence of superiority or unexpected success.

Performance Context: In the world of sports, athletes strive to surpass their previous achievements. If a runner completes a race faster than ever before, we say they have surpassed their personal best.

Der junge Schwimmer konnte den alten Weltrekord bei weitem übertreffen.

Beyond physical feats, the word is indispensable in economic and professional settings. Companies use it to describe sales figures that are higher than forecasted or products that offer better quality than those of competitors. It carries a positive connotation of excellence and progress. When a result is better than what was hoped for, it 'surpasses expectations' (Erwartungen übertreffen). This specific phrase is perhaps the most common collocation you will encounter in both written and spoken German.

Expectations and Reality: When a movie is better than the trailer suggested, or a meal tastes better than it looked on the menu, the reality surpasses the expectation. It is about the gap between what was anticipated and the actual, superior outcome.

Die Qualität des neuen Modells wird alle bisherigen Standards übertreffen.

In interpersonal relationships or social comparisons, the word can also describe one person being more talented or successful than another. However, it is rarely used in a mean-spirited way; rather, it acknowledges a high level of skill or achievement. For instance, a student might surpass their teacher in a specific subject, which is often seen as a sign of the teacher's success in imparting knowledge. The word implies a measurable or observable difference in quality or quantity.

Sie hat sich heute selbst übertroffen, indem sie die schwierigste Aufgabe löste.

Self-Improvement: The reflexive use 'sich selbst übertreffen' (to outdo oneself) is very common. It suggests that a person has performed better than they ever have before, reaching a new peak of their own capability.

Mit diesem Kunstwerk hat der Maler seine früheren Arbeiten übertroffen.

Finally, it is worth noting that übertreffen is often used with intensifiers like 'bei weitem' (by far) or 'um Längen' (by a long shot) to emphasize how much something has been exceeded. This adds a layer of drama and significance to the statement. Whether you are analyzing data or giving a compliment, understanding the nuances of this verb will allow you to describe excellence with precision and flair in German.

Die Nachfrage nach dem Produkt hat alle Prognosen bei weitem übertroffen.

Using übertreffen correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical structure and its conjugation as a strong verb. As an inseparable verb, the prefix über- stays attached to the root in all tenses. This means you do not say 'er trifft über,' but rather 'er übertrifft.' The verb takes a direct object in the accusative case (Akkusativ), which represents the person, standard, or thing that is being surpassed. This structure is quite similar to the English 'to exceed someone/something.'

Present Tense (Präsens): In the present tense, the verb follows the pattern of 'treffen,' where the 'e' changes to 'i' in the second and third person singular: ich übertreffe, du übertriffst, er/sie/es übertrifft.

Die neue Technologie übertrifft die alte in puncto Geschwindigkeit.

When moving to the past tense, specifically the Präteritum, the vowel changes to 'a'. This form is more common in written reports, news, and literature. For spoken German, you will more frequently use the Perfekt form, which utilizes the auxiliary verb 'haben' and the past participle 'übertroffen'. Because it is inseparable, the participle does not take the 'ge-' prefix. It is simply 'übertroffen,' not 'übergetroffen.'

Past Tense (Perfekt): The Perfekt is used to describe completed actions of surpassing. Example: 'Wir haben unsere Ziele übertroffen' (We have exceeded our goals).

Letztes Jahr übertraf der Umsatz alle Erwartungen der Analysten.

Common sentence patterns involve comparing two entities. You can use 'an' + Dativ to specify the area in which someone is being surpassed. For example, 'Er übertrifft sie an Fleiß' (He surpasses her in diligence). This allows for very specific comparisons beyond just general superiority. You might also see it used in passive constructions, though this is less common: 'Die Erwartungen wurden von der Realität übertroffen' (The expectations were surpassed by reality).

Reflexive Usage: 'Sich selbst übertreffen' is a fixed expression. It means to do something better than you have ever done it before. 'Du hast dich heute wirklich selbst übertroffen!'

Ich glaube nicht, dass er seine eigene Bestleistung noch einmal übertreffen kann.

Another important aspect is the use of modal verbs with übertreffen. When using 'können,' 'müssen,' or 'wollen,' the infinitive übertreffen goes to the end of the clause. For instance, 'Wir müssen die Konkurrenz übertreffen' (We must surpass the competition). This is a standard structure in German and applies to all verbs, but it is frequently used with this verb in goal-setting contexts.

Können wir die Ergebnisse vom letzten Quartal dieses Mal übertreffen?

In summary, whether you are writing a formal report or having a conversation about achievements, focus on the Akkusativ object, the irregular strong verb conjugation, and the inseparable nature of the prefix. These three pillars will ensure your sentences are grammatically sound and convey the intended meaning of excellence and exceeding limits.

You will encounter the word übertreffen in a variety of settings, ranging from the highly formal to the encouragingly informal. Its most frequent 'natural habitat' is in the news, particularly in segments covering the economy, finance, and sports. If you listen to a German news broadcast like Tagesschau, you will almost certainly hear it when they discuss quarterly earnings or national economic growth. Headlines often scream 'DAX-Unternehmen übertreffen Prognosen' (DAX companies exceed forecasts), signaling a positive turn in the market.

Economic News: In business reporting, it is the standard term for when actual numbers are better than predicted numbers. It provides a quick summary of success.

Die Exporte übertreffen in diesem Monat alle Erwartungen der Experten.

Sports commentary is another prime location for this word. When a commentator is describing a record-breaking performance, they will use übertreffen to highlight that the athlete has gone beyond what was previously thought possible. You might hear: 'Er hat den alten Rekord um zwei Sekunden übertroffen!' This usage emphasizes the measurable nature of the achievement. It is also used when one team significantly outplays another, though synonyms like 'dominieren' or 'überlegen sein' are also common there.

Sports Commentary: Used specifically for records, times, distances, and points. It’s about the objective measurement of being better than the previous mark.

Kein anderer Athlet konnte seine Leistung an diesem Tag übertreffen.

In the workplace, during 'Mitarbeitergespräche' (performance reviews), a manager might tell an employee that their work has surpassed the required standards. It is a formal way of giving a high compliment. Similarly, in marketing, companies use the word to convince customers that their new product is better than anything else on the market. Phrases like 'Übertrifft alle Erwartungen' are staples of advertising copy for everything from smartphones to vacuum cleaners.

Marketing and Advertising: Used to create a sense of premium quality and innovation. It suggests the product is in a class of its own.

Dieses neue Smartphone übertrifft seine Vorgänger in jeder Hinsicht.

In everyday social life, you might hear it when someone is particularly impressed by a meal or an event. If a friend hosts a dinner party and the food is exceptionally good, you might say, 'Du hast dich heute wirklich selbst übertroffen!' This is a warm, idiomatic way to say they did an amazing job, even better than their usual high standard. It’s a versatile word that bridges the gap between cold, hard statistics and warm, personal praise.

Die Party am Samstag hat alle meine Hoffnungen übertroffen.

Whether you're reading the financial pages of the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, watching a football match on TV, or being complimented by a German colleague, übertreffen is the word that signals a breakthrough beyond the ordinary. Learning to recognize it in these contexts will significantly boost your comprehension of both professional and colloquial German.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with übertreffen is confusing it with the very similar-sounding verb übertreiben. While übertreffen means 'to exceed' or 'to surpass,' übertreiben means 'to exaggerate.' You can imagine the confusion if you told your boss, 'Ich habe die Verkaufszahlen übertrieben' (I exaggerated the sales figures) instead of 'Ich habe die Verkaufszahlen übertroffen' (I exceeded the sales figures)! One suggests success, the other suggests dishonesty or hyperbole.

Übertreffen vs. Übertreiben: Übertreffen = to surpass (positive/neutral achievement). Übertreiben = to exaggerate (making things sound bigger than they are).

Vorsicht: Sag nicht 'Ich übertreibe meine Ziele', wenn du meinst, dass du besser als geplant warst.

Another common error concerns the conjugation of this strong verb. Many learners treat it as a regular verb, leading to incorrect forms like 'er übertrefft' or 'er hat übertrefft.' Remember that it follows the pattern of the root verb 'treffen.' In the present tense third person, the 'e' becomes an 'i' (er übertrifft). In the past tense, it follows the 'e-a-o' vowel change: übertreffen, übertraf, übertroffen. Mastering these irregular forms is essential for sounding natural and being understood.

Conjugation Errors: Wrong: er übertrefft. Correct: er übertrifft. Wrong: ich habe überge-troffen. Correct: ich habe übertroffen (inseparable verbs don't use 'ge-').

Er übertrifft (nicht: übertrefft) alle seine Kollegen an Schnelligkeit.

Learners also sometimes confuse übertreffen with überholen. While both can be translated as 'to pass' or 'to surpass,' überholen is primarily used for physical movement, like a car overtaking another on the highway. Übertreffen is used for qualities, quantities, and abstract standards. You would 'überholen' a cyclist on your bike, but you would 'übertreffen' their race time. Using 'überholen' for abstract quality is possible in some contexts (like one company overtaking another in market share), but 'übertreffen' is the safer and more common choice for performance.

Übertreffen vs. Überholen: Überholen = physical overtaking or catching up and passing. Übertreffen = being better than a standard or previous achievement.

Das Auto überholt den LKW, aber der Fahrer übertrifft seinen eigenen Rekord.

A final nuanced mistake involves the preposition used for specific comparisons. Some learners try to use 'in' (like in English 'to exceed in something'), but the correct German preposition is often 'an' followed by the Dativ case. For example, 'jemanden an Weisheit übertreffen' (to surpass someone in wisdom). While 'in' is sometimes heard in colloquial speech, 'an' is the grammatically precise choice that will make you sound more like a native speaker.

Sie übertrifft ihren Bruder an Fleiß und Ausdauer.

By keeping these common pitfalls in mind—the 'übertreiben' mix-up, the strong verb conjugation, the physical vs. abstract distinction from 'überholen,' and the correct prepositional usage—you will be well on your way to using übertreffen with confidence and accuracy in any situation.

While übertreffen is a highly useful verb, the German language offers several synonyms and related terms that can add variety and precision to your speech. Depending on whether you are talking about money, physical height, or abstract quality, you might choose a different word to express the idea of 'being better' or 'going beyond.' Understanding these alternatives will help you navigate different registers and contexts more effectively.

Überbieten: This is very similar to 'übertreffen' but is often used in the context of bidding (like at an auction) or offers. It can also be used for records: 'einen Rekord überbieten'. It implies a competition where someone 'bids higher' than another.

Er hat mein Angebot bei der Auktion um 100 Euro überboten.

Another excellent alternative is übersteigen. This verb literally means 'to climb over' and is used when something exceeds a numerical limit or a certain level. While übertreffen often has a positive connotation of being 'better,' übersteigen is more neutral or even negative, used for costs that exceed a budget or floodwaters that exceed a dam. You wouldn't usually say a person 'übersteigt' another in talent; you would use 'übertreffen' for that.

Übersteigen: Used for limits, budgets, capacities, and numerical values. 'Die Kosten übersteigen unser Budget.' (The costs exceed our budget.)

Die Nachfrage übersteigt unsere Produktionskapazitäten.

For physical superiority or being 'head and shoulders' above the rest, you can use überragen. This verb literally means 'to tower over.' It is used for tall buildings, but also metaphorically for people who are exceptionally talented in their field. 'Er überragt alle anderen Bewerber' suggests he is significantly more qualified or impressive than the rest, standing out like a tall tower in a city of small houses.

Überragen: Literally 'to tower over'. Used for physical height or being outstandingly better in a visible, prominent way.

Der neue Wolkenkratzer überragt alle anderen Gebäude der Stadt.

In informal contexts, especially among younger people or in casual business talk, you might hear the verb toppen. This is a loanword from English ('to top') and is used exactly like 'übertreffen' but in a much more laid-back register. 'Das kann man nicht mehr toppen!' means 'It doesn't get any better than this!' or 'That can't be beaten!' It's a great word for casual enthusiasm.

Toppen (Informal): A casual way to say something is better than what came before. Very common in everyday conversation and social media.

Dein gestriges Abendessen war super, aber das heute toppt alles!

By learning these synonyms—überbieten for offers, übersteigen for limits, überragen for prominence, and toppen for casual fun—you will have a rich toolkit for expressing excellence and superiority in any German-speaking environment. Each word carries its own specific nuance, allowing you to tailor your language to the exact situation at hand.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The root 'treffen' originally referred to hitting a target with a weapon. 'Übertreffen' was the act of shooting an arrow further than the target or further than a competitor's shot.

발음 가이드

UK /yːbɐˈtʁɛfn̩/

US /ybəɹˈtʁɛfən/

Second syllable (über-TREF-fen)

라임이 맞는 단어

treffen betreffen eintreffen beipflichten (slant) neffen kläffen äffen verblüffen (slant)

자주 하는 실수

Stressing the first syllable 'ü-'.
Pronouncing the 'ü' like an 'u' or 'i'.
Treating it as a separable verb and stressing the prefix.
Forgetting the short 'e' in the stressed syllable.
Merging the 'ff' into a single 'f' sound.

난이도

독해 2/5

Easy to recognize in context, especially in news.

쓰기 4/5

Requires knowledge of strong verb conjugation and inseparable prefix rules.

말하기 3/5

Common enough to be useful, but pronunciation of 'ü' and stress can be tricky.

듣기 2/5

Clearly audible stress pattern makes it easy to pick out.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

treffen über gut besser Erwartung

다음에 배울 것

übersteigen überbieten überholen überflügeln überragen

고급

transzendieren obliegen unterbieten

알아야 할 문법

Inseparable Prefixes

übertreffen (NOT über-ge-troffen)

Strong Verb Vowel Change (e-i-a-o)

übertreffen, übertrifft, übertraf, übertroffen

Accusative Case for Direct Objects

Er übertrifft den (Akk) Rekord.

Reflexive Verbs

Ich übertreffe MICH selbst.

Prepositional Objects with 'an'

Sie übertrifft ihn AN (Dativ) Weisheit.

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수준별 예문

Er ist groß, aber sein Bruder übertrifft ihn.

He is tall, but his brother surpasses him (is taller).

Simple comparison using the verb.

Das Essen übertrifft meine Erwartungen.

The food exceeds my expectations.

Direct object in Akkusativ: 'meine Erwartungen'.

Du übertriffst mich beim Laufen.

You surpass me at running.

Present tense with 'e' to 'i' change: 'du übertriffst'.

Ihre Note übertrifft seine Note.

Her grade surpasses his grade.

Subject-verb-object structure.

Übertrifft der neue Film den alten?

Does the new movie surpass the old one?

Question form with verb at the beginning.

Mein Hund übertrifft deinen Hund an Schnelligkeit.

My dog surpasses your dog in speed.

Using 'an' + Dativ to specify the quality.

Heute übertreffe ich meine eigene Bestzeit.

Today I am surpassing my own best time.

First person singular present tense.

Die Sonne übertrifft heute alle Lampen.

The sun surpasses all lamps today (is brighter).

Metaphorical use for brightness.

Die Qualität dieses Autos übertrifft alle anderen.

The quality of this car surpasses all others.

Focus on the quality as the subject.

Er übertrifft seine Kollegen bei der Arbeit.

He surpasses his colleagues at work.

Akkusativ object: 'seine Kollegen'.

Hast du dich heute selbst übertroffen?

Did you outdo yourself today?

Reflexive use in the Perfekt tense.

Die Verkaufszahlen übertreffen den Plan für diesen Monat.

The sales figures exceed the plan for this month.

Plural subject and verb.

Ihre Schönheit übertrifft alles, was ich kenne.

Her beauty surpasses everything I know.

Abstract concept as subject.

Der neue Rekord übertrifft den alten um fünf Sekunden.

The new record surpasses the old one by five seconds.

Using 'um' to indicate the difference.

Wir wollen unsere Ziele in diesem Jahr übertreffen.

We want to exceed our goals this year.

Modal verb 'wollen' with infinitive at the end.

Dieses Geschenk übertrifft jedes andere Geschenk.

This gift surpasses every other gift.

Comparison of objects.

Die Realität übertraf leider unsere Hoffnungen.

Reality unfortunately surpassed our hopes (was different/more than).

Präteritum form 'übertraf'.

Er hat alle Erwartungen bei weitem übertroffen.

He has surpassed all expectations by far.

Perfekt tense with intensifier 'bei weitem'.

Kann man diese Leistung überhaupt noch übertreffen?

Can this performance even be surpassed anymore?

Question with modal verb 'können'.

Die Nachfrage nach dem Produkt übertrifft das Angebot.

The demand for the product exceeds the supply.

Economic context.

Sie übertrifft ihren Lehrer an Wissen über Geschichte.

She surpasses her teacher in knowledge of history.

Using 'an' + Dativ for a specific field.

Das neue Modell übertrifft das alte an Effizienz.

The new model surpasses the old one in efficiency.

Technical comparison.

Ich hoffe, dass ich meine Ängste übertreffen kann.

I hope that I can overcome/surpass my fears.

Metaphorical use in a subordinate clause.

Der Film hat den Roman an Spannung übertroffen.

The movie surpassed the novel in suspense.

Comparing two different media.

Die Teilnehmerzahl übertraf alle Prognosen der Veranstalter.

The number of participants surpassed all forecasts of the organizers.

Präteritum used in a descriptive context.

Es ist schwierig, ein so hohes Niveau noch zu übertreffen.

It is difficult to surpass such a high level.

Infinitive with 'zu'.

Das Unternehmen übertrifft seine Konkurrenten durch Innovation.

The company surpasses its competitors through innovation.

Using 'durch' to indicate the means.

Diese Nachricht übertrifft alles, was wir bisher gehört haben.

This news surpasses everything we have heard so far.

Superlative sense.

Die Schönheit der Alpen übertrifft jede Postkarte.

The beauty of the Alps surpasses any postcard.

Comparing reality to a representation.

Er hat sich mit seiner Rede selbst übertroffen.

He outdid himself with his speech.

Reflexive Perfekt.

Die Kosten haben das Budget bei weitem übertroffen.

The costs have exceeded the budget by far.

Note: 'übersteigen' is also very common here.

Ihr Fleiß übertrifft den ihrer Mitschüler.

Her diligence surpasses that of her classmates.

Comparison using a possessive pronoun.

Die Komplexität der Quantenphysik übertrifft das menschliche Vorstellungsvermögen.

The complexity of quantum physics surpasses human imagination.

Academic/scientific context.

Seine Grausamkeit übertraf alles Vorstellbare.

His cruelty surpassed everything imaginable.

Describing an extreme state.

In puncto Eleganz ist dieses Design kaum zu übertreffen.

In terms of elegance, this design is hard to surpass.

Passive-like structure 'sein + zu + infinitive'.

Das Ergebnis übertrifft die kühnsten Träume der Forscher.

The result surpasses the boldest dreams of the researchers.

Idiomatic expression 'kühnste Träume übertreffen'.

Die Wirkung des Medikaments übertraf die Erwartungen der klinischen Studie.

The effect of the medication surpassed the expectations of the clinical study.

Formal medical/scientific register.

Sie übertrifft ihre Vorgänger an politischem Geschick.

She surpasses her predecessors in political skill.

Using 'an' + Dativ for specific skills.

Die Pracht des Palastes übertraf jede Beschreibung in den Chroniken.

The splendor of the palace surpassed every description in the chronicles.

Literary/historical context.

Könnten wir uns in Sachen Effizienz noch gegenseitig übertreffen?

Could we still surpass each other in terms of efficiency?

Reciprocal-like use with 'gegenseitig'.

Die metaphysische Tiefe des Werkes übertrifft die oberflächliche Interpretation.

The metaphysical depth of the work surpasses the superficial interpretation.

Highly academic register.

Seine rhetorische Brillanz übertraf selbst die kühnsten Erwartungen seiner Kritiker.

His rhetorical brilliance surpassed even the boldest expectations of his critics.

Complex noun phrases as subject and object.

Die Zerstörungskraft der Naturgewalten übertrifft oft menschliche Schutzmaßnahmen.

The destructive power of natural forces often surpasses human protective measures.

General truth/abstract observation.

In seiner Gier übertraf er alle seine Zeitgenossen.

In his greed, he surpassed all his contemporaries.

Character description in literature.

Die ästhetische Vollkommenheit der Sinfonie übertrifft jegliche rationale Analyse.

The aesthetic perfection of the symphony surpasses any rational analysis.

Discussing the ineffable qualities of art.

Diese Entdeckung übertrifft an Bedeutung alles bisher Dagewesene.

This discovery surpasses in significance everything that has come before.

Using 'an' + Dativ and 'Dagewesene'.

Wird die künstliche Intelligenz den Menschen an kognitiver Kapazität übertreffen?

Will artificial intelligence surpass humans in cognitive capacity?

Future tense with 'werden'.

Die Grausamkeit des Krieges übertrifft das Fassungsvermögen der menschlichen Seele.

The cruelty of war surpasses the capacity of the human soul to comprehend.

Philosophical/existential context.

자주 쓰는 조합

Erwartungen übertreffen

einen Rekord übertreffen

sich selbst übertreffen

Prognosen übertreffen

die kühnsten Träume übertreffen

jemanden an Fleiß übertreffen

Zahlen übertreffen

alle Hoffnungen übertreffen

die Konkurrenz übertreffen

an Qualität übertreffen

자주 쓰는 구문

Das übertrifft alles!

— That beats everything! Used when something is incredibly good or bad.

Deine Unverschämtheit übertrifft alles!

kaum zu übertreffen

— Hard to beat. Describes something of very high quality.

Diese Aussicht ist kaum zu übertreffen.

bei weitem übertreffen

— To surpass by far. Emphasizes the scale of the achievement.

Die Verkäufe haben das Ziel bei weitem übertroffen.

gegenseitig übertreffen

— To outdo each other. Often used in a competitive but positive sense.

Die Köche versuchten, sich gegenseitig zu übertreffen.

die Erwartungen bei weitem übertreffen

— To exceed expectations by a large margin.

Sein Erfolg übertraf die Erwartungen bei weitem.

sich an Höflichkeit übertreffen

— To be exceptionally polite (sometimes ironically).

Sie übertragen sich an Höflichkeit.

alle bisherigen Standards übertreffen

— To set a new bar for quality.

Das neue Hotel übertrifft alle bisherigen Standards.

die kühnsten Erwartungen übertreffen

— To exceed even the most optimistic guesses.

Die Resonanz übertraf die kühnsten Erwartungen.

an Schnelligkeit übertreffen

— To be faster than someone else.

Das neue System übertrifft das alte an Schnelligkeit.

den Durchschnitt übertreffen

— To be above average.

Seine Leistungen übertreffen den Durchschnitt.

자주 혼동되는 단어

übertreffen vs übertreiben

Means to exaggerate. Often confused because of the similar sound.

übertreffen vs überholen

Means to overtake physically (e.g., in a car).

übertreffen vs übersteigen

Means to exceed a numerical limit or budget.

관용어 및 표현

"Sich selbst übertreffen"

— To do something better than one has ever done before.

Mit diesem Abendessen hast du dich selbst übertroffen.

informal/neutral

"Alles bisher Dagewesene übertreffen"

— To be better than anything that has ever existed before.

Diese Erfindung übertrifft alles bisher Dagewesene.

formal/journalistic

"Jemanden an [Eigenschaft] übertreffen"

— To be superior to someone in a specific quality (e.g., wisdom, speed).

Er übertrifft seinen Vater an Weisheit.

neutral

"Die kühnsten Träume übertreffen"

— To be much better than one could have ever imagined.

Der Erfolg übertraf meine kühnsten Träume.

neutral/emotional

"In den Schatten stellen"

— To outshine someone or something so much they seem unimportant (synonym idiom).

Ihr Talent stellt alle anderen in den Schatten.

neutral/literary

"Über den Haufen rennen"

— Not directly related, but sometimes confused; means to run someone over. Do not use for 'surpass'!

Pass auf, sonst rennst du mich noch über den Haufen!

informal

"Sich gegenseitig an Bosheit übertreffen"

— To be increasingly mean to each other.

Die beiden Nachbarn übertreffen sich gegenseitig an Bosheit.

neutral

"Den Rahmen des Erwartbaren übertreffen"

— To go beyond what was reasonably expected.

Die Kosten übertrafen den Rahmen des Erwartbaren.

formal

"Seinesgleichen suchen"

— To be so good that nothing else is like it (related concept).

Diese Qualität sucht ihresgleichen.

formal/literary

"Über das Ziel hinausschießen"

— To overshoot the mark (often negative, unlike übertreffen).

Mit deiner Kritik bist du über das Ziel hinausgeschossen.

neutral

혼동하기 쉬운

übertreffen vs übertreiben

Similar prefix and root structure.

Übertreffen is about being better than a mark. Übertreiben is about saying something is bigger/better than it actually is.

Ich übertreffe den Rekord (I beat it). Ich übertreibe meine Leistung (I lie/exaggerate about it).

übertreffen vs überholen

Both imply passing something.

Überholen is physical (traffic). Übertreffen is qualitative (skills/records).

Das Auto überholt mich. Er übertrifft mich im Schach.

übertreffen vs übersteigen

Both mean exceed.

Übersteigen is for numbers, limits, and abstract barriers. Übertreffen is for people, performance, and quality.

Die Kosten übersteigen 100 Euro. Seine Leistung übertrifft alle.

übertreffen vs überbieten

Very similar meaning.

Überbieten is specifically for offers/bids or competitive record-breaking. Übertreffen is more general.

Er hat mein Gebot überboten. Das Wetter übertrifft die Erwartungen.

übertreffen vs treffen

It is the root verb.

Treffen is to hit or meet. Übertreffen is to surpass.

Ich treffe meinen Freund. Ich übertreffe meinen Freund beim Sport.

문장 패턴

[Subject] übertrifft [Object-Akkusativ].

Das neue Handy übertrifft das alte.

[Subject] hat [Object] übertroffen.

Wir haben unsere Ziele übertroffen.

[Subject] übertrifft [Person-Akk] an [Eigenschaft-Dativ].

Er übertrifft sie an Geduld.

Sich selbst übertreffen.

Sie hat sich heute selbst übertroffen.

[Subject] übertrifft alle Erwartungen.

Das Wetter übertrifft alle Erwartungen.

Kaum zu übertreffen sein.

Die Gastfreundschaft war kaum zu übertreffen.

Die kühnsten Träume übertreffen.

Sein Erfolg übertraf seine kühnsten Träume.

[Subject] übertrifft alles bisher Dagewesene.

Diese Entdeckung übertrifft alles bisher Dagewesene.

어휘 가족

명사

die Übertreffung (rare)

das Treffen (meeting)

der Treffer (hit/goal)

동사

treffen (to hit/meet)

betreffen (to concern)

eintreffen (to arrive)

antreffen (to find/meet)

형용사

übertroffen (surpassed)

unübertroffen (unsurpassed/unexcelled)

treffend (apt/fitting)

사용법

frequency

High (Top 2000 words in German)

자주 하는 실수

Er übertrefft seine Ziele. → Er übertrifft seine Ziele.
You forgot the vowel change (e to i) in the present tense 3rd person singular.
Ich habe ihn übergetroffen. → Ich habe ihn übertroffen.
Inseparable verbs (like those starting with über-) do not take 'ge-' in the past participle.
Er übertrifft mich in Schnelligkeit. → Er übertrifft mich an Schnelligkeit.
While 'in' is sometimes used colloquially, 'an' + Dativ is the standard preposition for specific qualities.
Ich übertreibe meine Erwartungen. → Ich übertreffe meine Erwartungen.
You used 'übertreiben' (to exaggerate) instead of 'übertreffen' (to exceed). This changes the meaning significantly!
Das Auto übertrifft den LKW. → Das Auto überholt den LKW.
You used 'übertreffen' for physical overtaking. 'Überholen' is the correct verb for traffic.

팁

Strong Verb Alert

Remember the vowel change! Just like 'treffen' becomes 'trifft', 'übertreffen' becomes 'übertrifft' in the third person singular present tense.

Common Objects

The most common words that follow 'übertreffen' are 'Erwartungen' (expectations), 'Rekorde' (records), and 'Ziele' (goals). Memorize these as pairs.

Stress it Right

Never stress the 'ü'. The stress always falls on the 'tref' syllable: ü-ber-TREF-fen. This is the hallmark of an inseparable 'über-' verb.

The Perfect Praise

To tell someone they did an amazing job, say: 'Du hast dich heute wirklich selbst übertroffen!' It sounds very natural and encouraging.

Reporting Success

In business reports, use 'übertreffen' to describe beating forecasts. It sounds professional and precise. 'Die Gewinne übertreffen die Prognosen.'

Übersteigen vs Übertreffen

Use 'übersteigen' for numbers and limits (like a budget) and 'übertreffen' for human performance and quality.

Chunking

Don't just learn the word. Learn the chunk 'Erwartungen übertreffen'. It's used so often that it will come to you naturally in conversation.

Style Tip

In formal writing, 'übertreffen' is preferred over 'besser sein als'. It elevates the level of your German immediately.

News Keywords

When you hear 'übertreffen' in the news, it's usually good news about the economy or a sports record. Let it be a cue for positive context.

Comparison

When comparing two people, using 'übertreffen' is more polite and objective than just saying one is 'better'.

암기하기

기억법

Think of an archer. 'Treffen' is to hit the target. 'Über-' is over. If you 'übertreffen', you hit so well you go beyond the old record mark.

시각적 연상

Visualize a bar in a high jump competition. An athlete jumps 'über' (over) the bar, 'treffen' (hitting) a new record height.

Word Web

übertreffen Erwartungen Rekord besser sein Erfolg Leistung Konkurrenz Ziele

챌린지

Try to use 'übertreffen' in a sentence about your favorite hobby. For example: 'Ich möchte meine Bestzeit beim Schwimmen übertreffen.'

어원

From Middle High German 'übertreffen', which combined the prefix 'über-' (over/beyond) with 'treffen' (to hit/strike/reach).

원래 의미: Literally 'to hit beyond the mark' or 'to strike over'.

Germanic

문화적 맥락

Generally a positive word, but can be used ironically to describe someone's negative behavior (e.g., 'He surpassed himself in rudeness').

Similar to 'surpass' or 'exceed', but 'übertreffen' is used more frequently in everyday positive feedback than the somewhat formal 'surpass' in English.

Goethe often used the word to describe nature's beauty. Sports headlines during the 1954 World Cup ('Das Wunder von Bern'). Marketing slogans for German car brands like BMW or Mercedes.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Sports

den Weltrekord übertreffen
die eigene Bestzeit übertreffen
die Konkurrenz übertreffen
alle Erwartungen übertreffen

Business

Gewinnprognosen übertreffen
Verkaufsziele übertreffen
die Markterwartungen übertreffen
den Vorjahreswert übertreffen

Personal Praise

Du hast dich selbst übertroffen!
Das übertrifft alles, was ich erwartet habe.
Deine Leistung übertrifft die der anderen.
kaum zu übertreffen

Product Marketing

übertrifft alle bisherigen Modelle
an Qualität nicht zu übertreffen
übertrifft die strengsten Standards
übertrifft die Erwartungen der Kunden

Academic/Scientific

übertrifft das bisherige Wissen
an Komplexität übertreffen
die statistische Signifikanz übertreffen
frühere Studien übertreffen

대화 시작하기

"Hast du dich in letzter Zeit mal selbst übertroffen?"

"Welcher Film hat deine Erwartungen in diesem Jahr übertroffen?"

"Glaubst du, dass Technik den Menschen irgendwann an Intelligenz übertreffen wird?"

"Was ist für dich eine Leistung, die kaum zu übertreffen ist?"

"Wann hat dich ein Freund oder eine Freundin mit einer Tat übertroffen?"

일기 주제

Schreibe über einen Moment, in dem du deine eigenen Erwartungen übertroffen hast. Was hast du getan?

Welches Ziel möchtest du in diesem Jahr unbedingt übertreffen und warum?

Denke an ein Produkt, das du gekauft hast. Hat es deine Erwartungen übertroffen oder enttäuscht?

Beschreibe eine Person, die dich an Fleiß oder Wissen übertrifft. Was kannst du von ihr lernen?

Wie fühlt es sich an, wenn man sich selbst übertrifft? Beschreibe die Emotionen.

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

No, 'übertreffen' is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'über-' stays attached to the verb in all forms, including the present tense (ich übertreffe) and the past participle (übertroffen).

It is a strong verb. In the Präteritum, it is 'übertraf' (e.g., er übertraf). In the Perfekt, it is 'hat übertroffen'.

It takes the Akkusativ (accusative) case for the direct object. For example: 'Er übertrifft den (Akkusativ) Weltrekord.'

This is a common mistake! 'Übertreffen' means to surpass or exceed (positive/neutral). 'Übertreiben' means to exaggerate (often negative).

Yes, you can say 'Er übertrifft seinen Bruder an Größe,' but it sounds a bit formal. Usually, you'd say 'Er ist größer als sein Bruder.'

It means 'to outdo oneself'—to perform better than you ever have before. It's a very common and positive idiom.

Mostly, yes. It usually implies doing better or being more. However, it can be used for negative things like 'Die Kosten übertreffen das Budget,' though 'übersteigen' is more common there.

Use the preposition 'an' followed by the Dativ. Example: 'Sie übertrifft ihn an Schnelligkeit' (She surpasses him in speed).

No. Because it is inseparable, the 'ge-' is omitted. The past participle is simply 'übertroffen'.

Yes, it is very common in news, sports, business, and daily conversations about achievements.

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