to cross / to run counter to
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to cross
To cross something from one side to the other, usually referring to a street, a square, or a body of water.
Wir müssen die Hauptstraße queren, um zum Supermarkt zu gelangen.
We have to cross the main road to get to the supermarket.
to run counter to
To oppose something or go against it. This meaning is rather abstract and less common.
Seine Vorschläge querten die bisherige Strategie des Unternehmens.
His proposals ran counter to the company’s previous strategy.
The verb “queren” (to cross) is derived directly from the adjective “quer” (crosswise/diagonal). “Quer” means “from one side to the other” or “diagonal,” which explains the meaning of the verb well.
Ein umgestürzter Baum lag quer über der Straße.
A fallen tree lay across the road.
“queren” (to cross) is a transitive verb and always requires an accusative object. You ask: Whom or what am I crossing?
Vorsichtig querte der Igel die befahrene Straße.
The hedgehog carefully crossed the busy road.
In its main meaning, “queren” (to cross) is often combined with places that have a clear boundary. Typical examples are: “eine Straße queren” (to cross a street), “einen Platz queren” (to cross a square), “einen Fluss queren” (to cross a river), or “eine Kreuzung queren” (to cross an intersection).
Die Wandergruppe musste einen kleinen Bach queren.
The hiking group had to cross a small stream.
You can recognize the rare, abstract meaning by the object. If the object is something concrete (street, square), the literal meaning is intended. If the object is abstract (plan, intention), it is about an opposing position.
Sein plötzlicher Einwand querte unsere gesamte Planung.
His sudden objection ran counter to our entire plan.
to cross
Überqueren and queren can both describe going from one side to the other. Überqueren highlights reaching the other side; queren focuses more on moving across the street, square, or body of water. Both are therefore often possible, but the perspective is different.
Wir queren den Fluss an seiner schmalsten Stelle.
We cross the river at its narrowest point.
Wir überqueren den Fluss und erreichen vor Einbruch der Dunkelheit das andere Ufer.
We cross the river and reach the opposite bank before nightfall.
