to bridge
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to bridge
To overcome a period of time, a difficulty, or a shortage with a temporary solution.
Mit einem Nebenjob konnte er die Zeit bis zum Studienbeginn finanziell überbrücken.
With a part-time job, he was able to financially bridge the time until the start of his studies.
to bridge
To build a bridge or similar structure over an obstacle such as a river, a valley, or a road.
Die neue Autobahn überbrückt das gesamte Tal.
The new highway bridges the entire valley.
to bridge
To balance out or reduce oppositions or differences between people, groups, or opinions.
Der Diplomat versuchte, die Differenzen zwischen den beiden Ländern zu überbrücken.
The diplomat tried to bridge the differences between the two countries.
The verb 'überbrücken' (to bridge) is derived from the noun 'die Brücke' (the bridge). Literally or figuratively, it means to build a bridge over something—whether over a river, a difficult period, or disagreements.
Ein Stipendium half ihm, die Studienzeit finanziell zu überbrücken.
A scholarship helped him financially bridge the period of his studies.
'Überbrücken' (to bridge) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'über-' remains firmly attached to the verb in all sentence forms and is not moved to the end of the sentence.
Er überbrückt die Wartezeit mit einem Buch.
He bridges the waiting time with a book.
In its figurative meaning, 'überbrücken' (to bridge) is often combined with periods of time or shortages. Typical objects are 'eine Wartezeit' (a waiting time), 'ein Engpass' (a bottleneck/shortage), or 'eine Distanz' (a distance).
Mit einem Kredit überbrückte sie den finanziellen Engpass.
With a loan, she bridged the financial shortage.
When it comes to conflicts, 'überbrücken' (to bridge) is used with abstract nouns such as 'Gegensätze' (oppositions), 'Differenzen' (differences), or 'Unterschiede' (differences).
Ein Kompromiss soll die Gegensätze zwischen den Parteien überbrücken.
A compromise is intended to bridge the oppositions between the parties.
to overcome
When dealing with a difficult situation, both „überwinden“ and „überbrücken“ can describe overcoming it. However, „überbrücken“ highlights a temporary solution used to get through a period or difficulty, while „überwinden“ more generally expresses actually overcoming it. „Überbrücken“ suits an interim solution, while „überwinden“ is more appropriate for a lasting solution.
Mit einem vorläufigen Plan konnte das Team das Problem zunächst überbrücken.
With a temporary plan, the team was initially able to bridge the problem.
Mit einem neuen Plan konnte das Team das Problem dauerhaft überwinden.
With a new plan, the team was able to overcome the problem permanently.
