to roof / cover
Loading your saved state.
to roof
To provide something with a roof in order to protect it from the weather.
Wir wollen die Terrasse überdachen, damit wir auch bei Regen draußen sitzen können.
We want to roof the terrace so that we can sit outside even when it rains.
to umbrella
To function as an umbrella organization for various smaller groups or associations and bring them together under one common umbrella.
Der neue Bundesverband soll die Interessen aller lokalen Tierschutzinitiativen überdachen.
The new federal association is intended to umbrella the interests of all local animal welfare initiatives.
'Überdachen' (to roof / cover) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'über-' always remains attached to the verb, even in main clauses and in the past participle. The stress is on the second syllable: über-DA-chen.
Die Stadt überdacht den Marktplatz.
The city is roofing over the market square.
The verb is made up of 'über' (over) and 'Dach' (roof). The literal meaning, to provide something with a roof, also helps you understand the figurative meaning: an organization serving as a 'Dach' (roof / umbrella) for others.
Ein großes Glasdach überdacht den Innenhof des Museums.
A large glass roof covers the museum courtyard.
You can recognize the figurative meaning from the object of the sentence. If it refers to organizations, associations, or initiatives, the function as an umbrella organization is meant.
Ein neuer Verband soll alle regionalen Sportvereine überdachen.
A new association is intended to umbrella all regional sports clubs.
to cover / to set
Both words refer to protection provided by a roof. „Decken“ describes covering the roof itself with tiles or another material; „überdachen“ means equipping a building or area with a roof. „Decken“ is appropriate for the roofing material, while „überdachen“ is used for the area being protected.
Die Handwerker überdachen die Terrasse des Hauses mit einem neuen Dach.
The builders are roofing the house's terrace with a new roof.
Die Handwerker decken das Dach des Hauses mit roten Ziegeln.
The builders are roofing the house with red tiles.
