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.
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 mediate / arrange / convey
'vermitteln' and 'überbrücken' can both help when there is distance between people, groups, or opinions. 'vermitteln' is used when a neutral person actively speaks between sides and wants to make an agreement possible. 'überbrücken' emphasizes more that differences or oppositions are made smaller. It does not always require a single person acting as a mediator. When it is about a conversation in a conflict, 'vermitteln' is more precise. When it is about the gap between two positions, 'überbrücken' often fits better.
Mit viel Geduld konnten die Kollegen ihre unterschiedlichen Meinungen überbrücken.
With a lot of patience, the colleagues were able to bridge their differing opinions.
Die Lehrerin vermittelt zwischen den zwei Schülern, damit sie den Streit beenden.
The teacher mediates between the two students so that they can end the argument.