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übermitteln

B1 verb #4,000 most common 9 min read

übermitteln

Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips übermitteln in 30 Seconds

Explanation übermitteln in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn how to send things. While you might mostly use 'schicken' or 'geben', you can introduce 'übermitteln' when talking about simple greetings. For example, 'Ich übermittle Grüße' (I send greetings). At this stage, focus on the fact that it means 'to send' a message. You don't need to worry about the technical uses yet. Just remember that the word is long and doesn't split apart. If you want to sound very polite when sending a birthday wish through a friend, you can use this word. It is a bit advanced for A1, but knowing it will make you sound very respectful. Think of it as a 'special' version of sending a message. You usually use it with 'Grüße' (greetings) or 'eine Nachricht' (a message). The sentence structure is simple: 'Ich (Subject) übermittle (Verb) dir (Person) eine Nachricht (Thing)'.

At the A2 level, you can begin to use 'übermitteln' in the context of basic technology and simple office tasks. For instance, when you send a photo via WhatsApp or an email to a teacher, you can say 'Ich übermittle das Foto'. You are moving beyond just physical objects and starting to talk about digital things. You should also notice that the verb doesn't have a 'ge-' in the past tense: 'Ich habe die Nachricht übermittelt'. This is a key grammar point for A2. You might also see this word on websites when you click 'submit' on a form; the website is 'übermitteln'ing your data. It's a useful word to recognize when you are using German websites or apps. Try to use it when you want to be more formal than just saying 'schicken'. It shows you are learning more specific vocabulary for communication.

At the B1 level, 'übermitteln' becomes a core part of your professional vocabulary. You should use it confidently in emails to colleagues, doctors, or officials. It is the perfect verb for 'conveying' information, 'transmitting' data, or 'sending' results. At this level, you should understand the Dative + Accusative structure: 'Der Arzt übermittelt dem Patienten die Testergebnisse'. You should also be comfortable using it in the passive voice, which is very common in reports: 'Die Daten wurden sicher übermittelt'. You will encounter this word frequently in reading passages about technology, the environment, or society. It implies a formal process of communication. You should also distinguish it from 'überweisen' (money) and 'übertragen' (broadcast). Using 'übermitteln' correctly at B1 shows that you have a good grasp of formal German register and can communicate effectively in a business environment.

At the B2 level, you should master the nuances of 'übermitteln' in technical, legal, and academic contexts. You will use it to describe the transmission of complex data sets, the conveyance of diplomatic messages, or the communication of abstract concepts. You should be able to use it with a wide range of collocations like 'Verschlüsselungstechnologien zur Datenübermittlung' (encryption technologies for data transmission). At this level, you should also understand the noun form 'die Übermittlung'. You can use the verb to describe more abstract things, like how a piece of art 'übermittelt' a specific atmosphere or message. Your sentences can be more complex, incorporating relative clauses and modal verbs: 'Die Informationen, die uns gestern übermittelt wurden, sind von großer Bedeutung'. You should also be able to explain the difference between 'übermitteln' and its synonyms in detail, demonstrating a high level of linguistic awareness.

At the C1 level, 'übermitteln' is used with precision and stylistic flair. You will find it in high-level literature, legal statutes, and scientific papers. It often describes the transmission of cultural values, psychological states, or complex legal declarations. You should use it to vary your language and achieve a specific tone. For example, in a rhetorical context, you might discuss how a speaker 'übermittelt' their conviction to the audience. You should also be aware of the word's role in bureaucratic German, such as in the 'Amtssprache' (official language) regarding the 'Übermittlung von Amtswegen' (transmission by virtue of office). At this stage, you are expected to use the verb in all its forms, including the subjunctive and passive-perfect, with ease. You understand that 'übermitteln' carries a certain weight and authority that 'senden' lacks, and you use this to your advantage in professional and academic writing.

At the C2 level, your use of 'übermitteln' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You use it to navigate the most complex linguistic scenarios, from interpreting diplomatic nuances to discussing the philosophy of communication. You can use the verb metaphorically and in highly specialized fields like quantum cryptography or semiotics. You understand the historical development of the word and how it fits into the broader landscape of German communication verbs. Your writing exhibits a sophisticated balance, using 'übermitteln' to convey precisely the right amount of formality and technical accuracy. You might analyze how 'übermitteln' functions in the 'Theorie des kommunikativen Handelns' (Theory of Communicative Action) or other academic frameworks. At this level, the word is not just a tool for communication, but a precise instrument for expressing subtle differences in the nature of information exchange.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

übermitteln in 30 Seconds

A formal verb for sending information or data.
Inseparable prefix 'über-', past participle 'übermittelt'.
Used for messages, greetings, and technical data.
Common in business, IT, and official communications.

The German verb übermitteln is a sophisticated and precise term primarily used to describe the act of sending, conveying, or transmitting information, data, or messages from one point to another. Unlike the more common verb 'schicken' (to send), which can apply to physical objects like packages or letters, übermitteln is almost exclusively reserved for non-physical entities such as digital data, spoken news, or abstract greetings. In a professional or technical context, it implies a certain level of formality and systematic delivery.

Technical Context: In the world of IT and telecommunications, 'übermitteln' is the standard term for the transmission of data packets or signals across a network. It suggests a process where information is encoded, sent, and then decoded by the receiver.

Das System wird die Daten automatisch an den Server übermitteln.

Beyond technology, it is frequently used in diplomacy and high-level social interactions. When a diplomat conveys a message from one government to another, they are 'übermitteln'ing that message. Similarly, in a polite social setting, one might 'übermitteln' greetings (Grüße) to a third party. This adds a layer of mediation; you are the medium through which the information flows.

Social Nuance: Using this verb instead of 'sagen' (to say) or 'geben' (to give) elevates the tone of the conversation. It implies that the sender is acting as a formal messenger or that the information is of significant importance.

The verb is inseparable, meaning the 'über-' prefix stays attached to the root throughout all conjugations. This is a crucial grammatical point for learners to master, as many 'über-' verbs in German are separable. In the past participle, it becomes 'übermittelt', notably lacking the '-ge-' prefix common in many other verbs.

Die Nachricht wurde bereits erfolgreich übermittelt.

Legal and Official Use: In legal documents, the term is used for the service of papers or the communication of court decisions. It emphasizes the official nature of the transfer of information.

Bitte übermitteln Sie uns die Unterlagen bis spätestens Freitag.

Der Zeuge hat dem Gericht wichtige Informationen übermittelt.

In summary, 'übermitteln' is a versatile yet formal verb that bridges the gap between technical data transfer and formal human communication. It is an essential word for B1 learners who wish to sound more professional and precise in their German interactions.

Using übermitteln correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical structure and the types of objects it typically governs. As an inseparable transitive verb, it frequently appears in the pattern: (Subject) übermittelt (Dative Recipient) (Accusative Information). This structure is common in both spoken and written German.

The Dative/Accusative Balance: When you tell someone 'I will send you the results,' you say: 'Ich übermittle Ihnen (Dative) die Ergebnisse (Accusative).' The person receiving the info is in the dative case, while the info itself is in the accusative.

Er übermittelt seinem Chef den täglichen Bericht.

In the passive voice, which is very common with this verb in technical and administrative contexts, the focus shifts to the information being sent.

Die Passwörter werden verschlüsselt übermittelt.

This usage highlights how 'übermitteln' functions in security and IT discussions. The adverb 'verschlüsselt' (encrypted) often accompanies the verb in these scenarios.

Modal Verbs: When paired with modal verbs like 'können' or 'müssen', 'übermitteln' stays at the end of the sentence in its infinitive form. 'Wir müssen die Nachricht sofort übermitteln.'

Könnten Sie mir bitte die Zugangsdaten übermitteln?

Another common construction involves the use of 'per' or 'via' to specify the medium. 'Die Daten werden per E-Mail übermittelt.' This specifies the channel through which the transmission occurs. In more abstract or literary contexts, 'übermitteln' can describe the passing down of traditions or values, though 'überliefern' is more common for historical traditions. However, 'übermitteln' works perfectly for the immediate transfer of an idea or a feeling.

Die Musik übermittelt eine tiefe Traurigkeit.

Common Collocations: Grüße übermitteln (to convey greetings), Funkspruch übermitteln (to transmit a radio message), Informationen übermitteln (to convey information), Ergebnisse übermitteln (to send results).

Der Funker übermittelte die Koordinaten an die Basis.

Using 'übermitteln' correctly demonstrates a high level of linguistic competence, as it shows you can distinguish between the mundane 'sending' of an object and the more significant 'transmission' of content. It is a key verb for anyone working in a German-speaking office environment or technical field.

You will encounter übermitteln in a variety of formal and specialized environments. It is not typically used in casual slang with friends, but it is ubiquitous in news broadcasts, corporate emails, and technical documentation.

Radio and Television News: News anchors often use this word when reporting on communications between world leaders. 'Der Kanzler hat dem Präsidenten sein Beileid übermittelt' (The Chancellor conveyed his condolences to the President).

Das Fernsehen übermittelt die Bilder live aus dem Stadion.

In the corporate world, 'übermitteln' is the standard for discussing data privacy (Datenschutz) and the sharing of files. When you sign a consent form in Germany, it often mentions 'Datenübermittlung an Dritte' (transmission of data to third parties).

Office Communication: A colleague might email you saying, 'Ich übermittle Ihnen hiermit die gewünschten Unterlagen.' This is much more formal than simply saying 'Hier sind die Dokumente.'

Die Bank hat die Transaktionsdaten sicher übermittelt.

In literature and film, especially in spy thrillers or historical dramas, characters 'übermitteln' secret codes or urgent warnings. The word carries a weight of urgency and importance in these scenes.

Der Spion übermittelte die geheimen Pläne per Kurzwellenfunk.

Public Announcements: At train stations or airports, announcements might state that information is being 'übermittelt' to displays. It sounds more authoritative than 'gezeigt' (shown).

Die Flugsicherung übermittelt die Landeerlaubnis an den Piloten.

Bitte übermitteln Sie Ihre Zählerstände online.

Overall, 'übermitteln' is the word for the digital age and professional communication, making it a vital addition to your B1-level vocabulary.

For English speakers, the primary challenge with übermitteln lies in distinguishing it from other verbs that mean 'to send' or 'to transfer'. The most common mistake is using it for physical objects.

Physical vs. Informational: You cannot 'übermitteln' a package (Paket) or a physical letter (Brief) in the same way you 'schicken' them. 'Übermitteln' is for the content or the message, not the physical vessel.

Falsch: Ich übermittle dir das Paket. (Correct: Ich schicke dir das Paket.)

Another source of confusion is the verb 'überweisen'. While both start with 'über-', 'überweisen' is specifically for transferring money between bank accounts or referring a patient to a doctor.

Übermitteln vs. Überweisen: If you are sending 50 Euros to a friend, use 'überweisen'. If you are sending the confirmation code for that transfer, use 'übermitteln'.

Richtig: Die Bank übermittelt die Transaktionsdetails, nachdem das Geld überwiesen wurde.

Separating the verb is another frequent error. Because many verbs starting with 'über-' are separable (like 'überkochen'), learners often try to put the 'über' at the end of the sentence. Confusion also occurs with 'übertragen'. While 'übertragen' can mean 'to transmit' (like a radio signal or a disease), it also means 'to transfer' ownership or 'to translate' in a metaphorical sense. 'Übermitteln' is more focused on the act of conveying a specific message or data set.

Technical Nuance: 'Übertragen' often implies a continuous stream (like a live broadcast), whereas 'übermitteln' often implies a discrete unit of information being sent.

Falsch: Die Grippe wurde übermittelt. (Correct: Die Grippe wurde übertragen.)

Lastly, ensure you use the correct dative/accusative objects. Misplacing the cases can change the meaning or make the sentence sound 'off' to native speakers.

Richtig: Ich übermittle dem (Dative) Kunden das (Accusative) Angebot.

Avoiding these pitfalls will make your German sound much more natural and precise.

To truly master übermitteln, it is helpful to compare it with its synonyms and near-synonyms. Each has a specific 'register' or context where it fits best.

Senden vs. Übermitteln: 'Senden' is the most direct equivalent to 'to send'. It is neutral and can be used for emails, radio waves, or packages. 'Übermitteln' is more formal and focuses on the 'conveying' aspect.

Ich sende dir eine E-Mail. (Neutral) / Ich übermittle Ihnen die Dokumentation. (Formal)

Mitteilen vs. Übermitteln: 'Mitteilen' means 'to inform' or 'to share news'. It focuses on the act of telling someone something. 'Übermitteln' focuses on the movement of that information from A to B.

Er hat mir seine Entscheidung mitgeteilt. (He told me his decision.) / Die Entscheidung wurde per Kurier übermittelt. (The decision was conveyed via courier.)

Zustellen vs. Übermitteln: 'Zustellen' is specifically for the physical delivery of mail or legal notices. It is what a mail carrier (Postbote) does. 'Übermitteln' is the electronic or verbal equivalent.

Der Brief wurde gestern zugestellt.

Die Nachricht wurde per Funk übermittelt.

Ausrichten vs. Übermitteln: When you tell someone 'Give him my regards,' you use 'ausrichten'. 'Kannst du ihm schöne Grüße ausrichten?' 'Übermitteln' is the formal version of this: 'Ich übermittle Ihnen die besten Grüße des Vorstands.'

By understanding these subtle differences, you can choose the word that perfectly matches the situation, whether you are chatting with a friend or writing a formal business report.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word literally implies being the 'middle' that something travels 'over'. It shares roots with 'Mitte' (middle) and 'Medium'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˌyːbɐˈmɪtl̩n/

US /ˌubərˈmɪtəln/

ü-ber-MIT-teln

Rhymes With

ermitteln vermitteln schütteln dritteln mitteln beuteln rütteln päppeln

Common Errors

Stressing the first syllable 'ü'.
Pronouncing it as a separable verb.
Confusing the 'ü' sound with 'u'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in news and formal texts, easy to recognize once you know the root.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct case usage (Dative/Accusative) and knowledge that it is inseparable.

Speaking 4/5

The word is long and the stress must be on the second syllable.

Listening 3/5

Clear pronunciation, but can be confused with 'vermitteln' or 'ermitteln'.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

schicken senden die Mitte die Nachricht geben

Learn Next

vermitteln ermitteln überweisen übertragen die Übermittlung

Advanced

die Datenfernübertragung die Zustellung die Bekanntgabe die Ausrichtung die Depesche

Grammar to Know

Inseparable Verbs

Ich übermittle (NOT: Ich mittle über).

Dative as Indirect Object

Ich übermittle DIR (Dat) die Nachricht.

Accusative as Direct Object

Ich übermittle dir DIE NACHRICHT (Akk).

Past Participle without 'ge-'

Ich habe es übermittelt (NOT: geübermittelt).

Passive Voice Construction

Die Daten werden übermittelt.

Examples by Level

Ich übermittle dir Grüße von meiner Mutter.

I send you greetings from my mother.

Simple present tense with dative 'dir'.

Kannst du die Nachricht übermitteln?

Can you send the message?

Modal verb 'können' with infinitive at the end.

Er übermittelt ein 'Hallo'.

He sends a 'hello'.

Third person singular conjugation.

Wir übermitteln die Antwort.

We are sending the answer.

First person plural.

Übermittle bitte meine Grüße!

Please convey my greetings!

Imperative form.

Sie übermittelt die Information.

She is conveying the information.

Feminine subject.

Ich habe die Grüße übermittelt.

I have conveyed the greetings.

Perfekt tense (past).

Übermittelt ihr die Daten?

Are you (plural) sending the data?

Question form with 'ihr'.

Ich übermittle das Foto per WhatsApp.

I am sending the photo via WhatsApp.

Using 'per' to show the medium.

Die E-Mail wurde gestern übermittelt.

The email was sent yesterday.

Passive voice in the past.

Können Sie mir den Code übermitteln?

Can you send me the code?

Polite form 'Sie'.

Das System übermittelt die Bestätigung.

The system sends the confirmation.

Technical subject 'Das System'.

Ich übermittle dir den Standort.

I am sending you the location.

Dative 'dir' and Accusative 'den Standort'.

Haben Sie die Unterlagen übermittelt?

Did you send the documents?

Perfekt tense with 'haben'.

Das Radio übermittelt die Nachrichten.

The radio transmits the news.

Subject 'Das Radio'.

Wir übermitteln die Ergebnisse bald.

We will send the results soon.

Future intent in present tense.

Die Bank übermittelt die Daten verschlüsselt.

The bank transmits the data in encrypted form.

Adverb 'verschlüsselt' modifying the verb.

Ich übermittle Ihnen hiermit das Angebot.

I hereby convey the offer to you.

Formal register with 'hiermit'.

Der Zeuge übermittelte dem Gericht die Wahrheit.

The witness conveyed the truth to the court.

Präteritum (simple past) tense.

Die Nachricht muss sofort übermittelt werden.

The message must be sent immediately.

Passive voice with modal verb 'muss'.

Wir übermitteln unsere besten Wünsche zum Jubiläum.

We convey our best wishes for the anniversary.

Formal social usage.

Das Labor hat die Blutwerte übermittelt.

The lab has sent the blood values.

Specific medical context.

Wie werden die Signale übermittelt?

How are the signals transmitted?

Question in passive voice.

Bitte übermitteln Sie uns Ihre Zählerstände.

Please send us your meter readings.

Formal request/instruction.

Die Satelliten übermitteln Bilder in Echtzeit.

The satellites transmit images in real time.

Technical term 'in Echtzeit'.

Der Diplomat übermittelte eine geheime Note.

The diplomat conveyed a secret note.

Diplomatic context.

Die Software übermittelt Fehlerberichte automatisch.

The software transmits error reports automatically.

Adverb 'automatisch'.

Es ist wichtig, die Informationen präzise zu übermitteln.

It is important to convey the information precisely.

Infinitive clause with 'zu'.

Die Sensoren übermitteln die Temperaturdaten an die Zentrale.

The sensors transmit the temperature data to the headquarters.

Prepositional object 'an die Zentrale'.

Trotz der Störung wurden die Daten übermittelt.

Despite the interference, the data was transmitted.

Concession with 'Trotz'.

Der Funkspruch wurde nur teilweise übermittelt.

The radio message was only partially transmitted.

Adverb 'teilweise'.

Können Emotionen rein digital übermittelt werden?

Can emotions be transmitted purely digitally?

Abstract philosophical question.

Die Kunst übermittelt universelle menschliche Erfahrungen.

Art conveys universal human experiences.

Abstract subject 'Die Kunst'.

Der Kanzler übermittelte dem Volk seine Neujahrsgrüße.

The Chancellor conveyed his New Year's greetings to the people.

High-level official usage.

Informationen werden oft unbewusst übermittelt.

Information is often conveyed unconsciously.

Psychological context.

Die Behörde ist verpflichtet, die Akten zu übermitteln.

The authority is obliged to transmit the files.

Legal obligation 'verpflichtet'.

Durch die Sprache werden kulturelle Werte übermittelt.

Cultural values are transmitted through language.

Sociological context.

Das Gehirn übermittelt Impulse an die Muskeln.

The brain transmits impulses to the muscles.

Biological/Scientific context.

Die verschlüsselten Daten müssen ohne Zeitverlust übermittelt werden.

The encrypted data must be transmitted without loss of time.

Complex passive construction.

In seinem Blick wurde eine tiefe Trauer übermittelt.

In his gaze, a deep sadness was conveyed.

Literary/Metaphorical usage.

Die Quantenkryptografie ermöglicht es, Schlüssel absolut sicher zu übermitteln.

Quantum cryptography makes it possible to transmit keys with absolute security.

Highly technical academic context.

Es gilt zu klären, welche Inhalte telepathisch übermittelt werden könnten.

It remains to be clarified which contents could be transmitted telepathically.

Speculative/Theoretical register.

Die Übermittlung von Erbinformationen ist ein komplexer Prozess.

The transmission of genetic information is a complex process.

Noun form 'Übermittlung' in a biological context.

Der Text übermittelt eine subtile Kritik an der Gesellschaft.

The text conveys a subtle criticism of society.

Literary analysis.

Botschaften werden oft über mehrere Instanzen hinweg übermittelt.

Messages are often transmitted across several instances.

Administrative/Systemic description.

Die Nervenbahnen übermitteln Reize in Millisekunden.

The nerve pathways transmit stimuli in milliseconds.

Physiological precision.

Man muss die Intention hinter den Worten übermitteln.

One must convey the intention behind the words.

Communication theory.

Die Urkunde wurde dem Empfänger feierlich übermittelt.

The certificate was solemnly conveyed to the recipient.

Ceremonial context.

Common Collocations

Daten übermitteln

Grüße übermitteln

Nachricht übermitteln

Informationen übermitteln

Ergebnisse übermitteln

verschlüsselt übermitteln

drahtlos übermitteln

Beileid übermitteln

Code übermitteln

Unterlagen übermitteln

Common Phrases

hiermit übermittle ich

— A very formal way to start a business email when attaching files.

Hiermit übermittle ich Ihnen den Vertrag.

Grüße übermitteln lassen

— To have someone else send your regards.

Er lässt dir herzliche Grüße übermitteln.

automatisch übermittelt

— Sent by a system without human intervention.

Der Bericht wird täglich automatisch übermittelt.

sicher übermitteln

— To send information in a protected way.

Wir müssen diese Daten sicher übermitteln.

per E-Mail übermitteln

— To send via electronic mail.

Bitte übermitteln Sie das Dokument per E-Mail.

telegrafisch übermitteln

— To send via telegraph (historical).

Die Nachricht wurde telegrafisch übermittelt.

mündlich übermitteln

— To convey something by word of mouth.

Die Anweisungen wurden mündlich übermittelt.

schriftlich übermitteln

— To convey something in writing.

Bitte übermitteln Sie Ihre Beschwerde schriftlich.

unverzüglich übermitteln

— To send without delay (legal/formal).

Die Akten sind unverzüglich zu übermitteln.

Fehlermeldung übermitteln

— To send a report about a computer error.

Möchten Sie eine Fehlermeldung übermitteln?

Often Confused With

übermitteln vs überweisen

Only for money or medical referrals.

übermitteln vs übertragen

For live broadcasts, diseases, or general transfers.

übermitteln vs vermitteln

To mediate a conflict or find a job for someone.

Idioms & Expressions

"eine Botschaft übermitteln"

— To convey a deeper meaning or lesson.

Der Film übermittelt eine wichtige Botschaft.

figurative

"zwischen den Zeilen übermitteln"

— To convey something implicitly.

Er hat die Kritik zwischen den Zeilen übermittelt.

literary

"Werte übermitteln"

— To pass down moral standards to the next generation.

Eltern übermitteln ihren Kindern wichtige Werte.

sociological

"ein Gefühl übermitteln"

— To evoke or share an emotion through art or actions.

Das Lied übermittelt ein Gefühl der Freiheit.

artistic

"den Stab übermitteln"

— Metaphorical for handing over responsibility (similar to 'den Stab weitergeben').

Der alte Chef übermittelte den Stab an seinen Nachfolger.

journalistic

"Wissen übermitteln"

— To teach or pass on knowledge.

Lehrer übermitteln Wissen an ihre Schüler.

educational

"einen Funken übermitteln"

— To spark interest or inspiration in someone.

Seine Rede übermittelte einen Funken Begeisterung.

rhetorical

"die Fackel übermitteln"

— To pass on a tradition or cause.

Die Fackel des Wissens wird übermittelt.

poetic

"Signale übermitteln"

— To give hints or signs about one's intentions.

Sie übermittelte deutliche Signale des Interesses.

interpersonal

"den Geist übermitteln"

— To convey the essence or spirit of something.

Die Übersetzung übermittelt den Geist des Originals.

literary

Easily Confused

übermitteln vs übertragen

Both involve moving something from A to B.

Übertragen is for continuous things (radio) or ownership. Übermitteln is for discrete messages.

Das Spiel wird übertragen. Die Nachricht wird übermittelt.

übermitteln vs überweisen

Both start with 'über-'.

Überweisen is strictly for money or patients. Übermitteln is for info.

Ich überweise Geld. Ich übermittle das Passwort.

übermitteln vs vermitteln

Sounds very similar.

Vermitteln means to act as a middleman in a negotiation. Übermitteln is the act of sending.

Er vermittelt im Streit. Er übermittelt die Nachricht.

übermitteln vs ermitteln

Sounds very similar.

Ermitteln means to investigate (like a detective) or calculate.

Die Polizei ermittelt. Wir übermitteln die Daten.

übermitteln vs ausrichten

Both used for greetings.

Ausrichten is more casual and specifically for 'telling' someone else's message. Übermitteln is the formal process.

Richte ihm Grüße aus! Ich übermittle Ihnen die Grüße des Chefs.

Sentence Patterns

Ich übermittle Grüße.

Ich übermittle [Dativ] [Akkusativ].

Ich übermittle dir das Foto.

Die [Substantiv] werden [Adverb] übermittelt.

Die Daten werden sicher übermittelt.

Könnten Sie mir [Akkusativ] übermitteln?

Könnten Sie mir den Bericht übermitteln?

Es ist wichtig, [Akkusativ] zu übermitteln.

Es ist wichtig, die Wahrheit zu übermitteln.

Nachdem [Substantiv] übermittelt wurde, ...

Nachdem die Nachricht übermittelt wurde, war er erleichtert.

Dadurch werden [Abstrakte Nomen] übermittelt.

Dadurch werden kulturelle Werte übermittelt.

Die Übermittlung von [Genitiv] erfolgt durch...

Die Übermittlung von Informationen erfolgt durch Lichtsignale.

Word Family

Nouns

die Übermittlung (transmission/conveyance)

der Übermittler (the person/device that transmits)

die Datenübermittlung (data transmission)

die Nachrichtenübermittlung (messaging)

Verbs

mitteln (to average/mediate)

vermitteln (to mediate/arrange)

ermitteln (to investigate/determine)

Adjectives

übermittelbar (transmissible)

übermittelt (transmitted - past participle)

das Mittel

die Mitte

die Übermittlungstechnik

der Übermittlungsfehler

das Übermittlungsprotokoll

How to Use It

frequency

High in professional and technical domains.

Common Mistakes

Ich mittle die Nachricht über. → Ich übermittle die Nachricht.
The verb is inseparable. Do not split the prefix.
Ich habe die Nachricht geübermittelt. → Ich habe die Nachricht übermittelt.
Inseparable verbs starting with 'über-' do not take 'ge-' in the past participle.
Ich übermittle dir ein Paket. → Ich schicke dir ein Paket.
'Übermitteln' is for information/data, not physical objects.
Ich übermittle 50 Euro. → Ich überweise 50 Euro.
Use 'überweisen' for financial transfers.
Die Grippe wurde übermittelt. → Die Grippe wurde übertragen.
Use 'übertragen' for the transmission of diseases.

Tips

Inseparable Rule

Always keep 'übermitteln' as one word. Never split it. This is a common mistake for learners who know other 'über-' verbs.

The 'Data' Verb

If you are talking about 'Daten' (data), almost always use 'übermitteln' or 'übertragen'. 'Schicken' sounds too informal.

Polite Greetings

Use 'Grüße übermitteln' when you want to sound particularly cultured and polite in social or business settings.

B1 Exam Tip

In the B1 writing section, using 'übermitteln' instead of 'schicken' in a formal email will likely earn you higher marks for vocabulary.

Stress the Middle

Remember: ü-ber-MIT-teln. If you stress the first syllable, it sounds wrong to native ears.

Passive Voice

In technical reports, use the passive: 'Die Daten wurden übermittelt'. This is the standard way to describe the process.

Office German

Use 'hiermit übermittle ich' when sending attachments to a boss or client.

The Transmitter

Link 'übermitteln' to the English word 'transmit'. They share the same formal, technical feel.

Security Context

Often used with 'sicher' (securely) or 'verschlüsselt' (encrypted). 'Sicher übermitteln' is a key phrase in IT security.

Mediation

The root 'mittel' means 'middle'. You are the middle point through which the message goes. This helps distinguish it from 'geben'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Mittel' (middle) man who goes 'über' (over) a bridge to give a message. He is the 'Übermittler'.

Visual Association

Imagine a fiber-optic cable glowing as it carries a 'message' bubble from one computer to another.

Word Web

Daten Grüße Nachricht Funk E-Mail Diplomatie Server Empfänger

Challenge

Try to use 'übermitteln' in your next three emails instead of 'schicken' whenever you are sending information or a file.

Word Origin

From the Middle High German 'übermitteln', combining 'über' (over/across) and 'mitteln' (to mediate or place in the middle).

Original meaning: To act as a middleman or to bring something across a gap.

Germanic

Cultural Context

Always ensure you have permission before you 'übermitteln' someone's personal data to a third party, as per GDPR (DSGVO) rules.

In English, we often just say 'send'. 'Transmit' sounds very technical. In German, 'übermitteln' is used more broadly in formal social contexts than 'transmit' is in English.

The 'Enigma' machine in WWII was used to 'übermitteln' encrypted messages. German news often starts with 'Wir übermitteln Ihnen die neuesten Meldungen.' The song 'Übermittle mir ein Zeichen' (Give me a sign).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Business Email

Ich übermittle Ihnen...
Die Unterlagen wurden übermittelt.
Bitte übermitteln Sie...
Bestätigung übermitteln

IT / Technology

Daten übermitteln
verschlüsselte Übermittlung
Pakete übermitteln
Server-Übermittlung

Social Interaction

Grüße übermitteln
Beileid übermitteln
Glückwünsche übermitteln
Wünsche übermitteln

Legal / Official

Akten übermitteln
Urteil übermitteln
Bescheid übermitteln
Fristgerecht übermitteln

Medical

Befund übermitteln
Werte übermitteln
Ergebnisse übermitteln
Diagnose übermitteln

Conversation Starters

"Könnten Sie mir bitte die Details zu diesem Projekt übermitteln?"

"Wie werden in Ihrer Firma wichtige Daten an Kunden übermittelt?"

"Soll ich deinem Bruder Grüße von dir übermitteln?"

"Finden Sie es sicher, Passwörter per E-Mail zu übermitteln?"

"Welche Botschaft übermittelt dieser Film Ihrer Meinung nach?"

Journal Prompts

Schreiben Sie über einen Moment, in dem Sie eine wichtige Nachricht übermitteln mussten.

Wie hat sich die Art und Weise, wie wir Informationen übermitteln, in den letzten 20 Jahren verändert?

Reflektieren Sie darüber, welche Werte Ihre Eltern Ihnen übermittelt haben.

Stellen Sie sich vor, Sie müssten eine Nachricht ins Weltall übermitteln. Was würden Sie sagen?

Warum ist es in der Diplomatie so wichtig, wie Nachrichten übermittelt werden?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 'übermitteln' is an inseparable verb. The 'über-' prefix never moves to the end of the sentence. For example, you say 'Ich übermittle die Nachricht' and not 'Ich mittle die Nachricht über'.

Generally, no. 'Übermitteln' is used for information, data, and messages. For physical objects like packages or letters, you should use 'schicken' or 'senden'.

The past participle is 'übermittelt'. Because it is an inseparable verb starting with 'über-', it does not take the '-ge-' prefix. Example: 'Ich habe die Daten übermittelt'.

Yes, 'übermitteln' is significantly more formal and technical than 'senden'. It is the preferred word in business, legal, and technical German.

You say 'Grüße übermitteln'. For example: 'Bitte übermitteln Sie ihm meine herzlichen Grüße'. This is a very polite and common phrase.

Yes, it typically takes a dative object for the recipient of the message. 'Ich übermittle DIR (Dative) die Nachricht (Accusative)'.

The noun form is 'die Übermittlung', which means 'transmission' or 'conveyance'. It is a feminine noun.

Yes, in a more literary or abstract sense, you can say 'Die Musik übermittelt ein Gefühl'. It means the music 'conveys' or 'transmits' that feeling to the listener.

Absolutely. It is the standard technical term for 'transmitting' data, such as 'Datenübermittlung' (data transmission).

'Mitteilen' focuses on 'telling' or 'sharing' the information, while 'übermitteln' focuses on the 'sending' or 'transmission' process from one point to another.