cross-border / transgressive / interdisciplinary
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cross-border
Describes something that crosses a geographic or political border between countries or regions.
Der grenzüberschreitende Zugverkehr wurde wegen des Streiks eingestellt.
Cross-border train service was suspended because of the strike.
transgressive
Describes behavior or an action that violates or oversteps established social, moral, or personal boundaries.
Seine persönlichen Fragen waren unangemessen und grenzüberschreitend.
His personal questions were inappropriate and transgressive.
interdisciplinary
Describes cooperation or a project that connects different fields or disciplines with one another.
Das Forschungsprojekt erfordert eine grenzüberschreitende Zusammenarbeit von Biologen und Informatikern.
The research project requires interdisciplinary cooperation between biologists and computer scientists.
The word is the present participle of the verb 'grenzüberschreiten' (to cross a border). This verb is made up of 'die Grenze' (the border) and 'überschreiten' (to cross, to exceed). The literal meaning 'to go across a border' helps you understand all the figurative meanings.
Das Überschreiten der Grenze dauert mit dem Auto oft länger.
Crossing the border often takes longer by car.
You can tell which meaning is intended from the noun. If it is about trade, transport, or politics, it refers to a geographic border. If it refers to behavior or a remark, it is about social rules. In research or projects, it refers to boundaries between fields.
Der grenzüberschreitende Handel ist für die Wirtschaft wichtig.
Cross-border trade is important for the economy.
In a geographic context, the word is often combined with terms from business, logistics, and politics. Typical phrases are 'grenzüberschreitender Handel' (cross-border trade), 'grenzüberschreitender Verkehr' (cross-border traffic/transport), or 'grenzüberschreitende Kriminalität' (cross-border crime).
Die Polizei arbeitet bei grenzüberschreitender Kriminalität international zusammen.
The police cooperate internationally on cross-border crime.
When it is about social boundaries, the word often describes negative behavior. Common combinations are 'grenzüberschreitendes Verhalten' (transgressive behavior), 'eine grenzüberschreitende Frage' (a transgressive question), or 'eine grenzüberschreitende Bemerkung' (a transgressive remark).
Ständig unterbricht er andere, ich finde sein Verhalten grenzüberschreitend.
He constantly interrupts others; I find his behavior transgressive.
international
International generally refers to the involvement of several countries or to a connection between them. Grenzüberschreitend emphasizes more specifically that a geographical or political border is actually crossed. International fits a project involving several countries; when crossing the border is the focus, Grenzüberschreitend fits.
Zwei Nachbarregionen planen eine grenzüberschreitende Buslinie über die Staatsgrenze.
Two neighboring regions are planning a cross-border bus route across the national border.
Drei Länder planen gemeinsam ein internationales Verkehrsprojekt.
Three countries are jointly planning an international transportation project.
