overpass / transfer / proof of guilt
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overpass
A structure, usually a bridge, that carries a traffic route such as a road or railway line over another one.
Um auf die andere Seite der Autobahn zu gelangen, müssen wir die nächste Überführung nehmen.
To get to the other side of the highway, we have to take the next overpass.
'Die Überführung' is the nominalization of the verb 'überführen' (to transfer / to prove guilty). The verb has the same different meanings: to lead something over something else, to bring someone to another place, or to prove someone guilty of an act.
Die Polizei konnte den Dieb schnell überführen.
The police were able to prove the thief guilty quickly.
You can recognize the meaning from context. If it is about structures and traffic, it means the bridge. If it is about the transport of people or things, the second meaning is intended. In connection with crime and evidence, it is about establishing guilt.
Die Überführung über die Gleise ist für Fußgänger gesperrt.
The overpass over the tracks is closed to pedestrians.
In the meaning 'Bauwerk' (structure), 'Überführung' is often combined with words like 'Straße' (road), 'Autobahn' (highway), or 'Gleise' (tracks). Typical verbs are 'bauen' (to build), 'nutzen' (to use), or 'überqueren' (to cross).
Eine neue Überführung wird gebaut, um den Verkehr zu entlasten.
A new overpass is being built to relieve traffic.
In a legal context, 'Überführung' often appears with a genitive that names the guilty person, e.g. 'die Überführung des Täters' (proof of the perpetrator's guilt). A common expression is that a piece of evidence 'zur Überführung führt' (leads to proof of guilt).
Die Aussage des Zeugen führte schließlich zur Überführung des Angeklagten.
The witness's statement finally led to proof of the defendant's guilt.
bridge
'die Brücke' and 'die Überführung' can both mean a structure that leads over something. 'Brücke' is the general word and works for many obstacles, for example rivers, valleys, or roads. 'Überführung' is used especially in traffic contexts, when a road, footpath, or railway line leads over another traffic route. Learners may confuse the words because an overpass is often a type of bridge. As a simple rule: every 'Überführung' can look like a bridge, but not every bridge is called an 'Überführung'.
Am Bahnhof führt die Überführung sicher über die Gleise.
At the station, the overpass leads safely over the tracks.
In der Nähe des Parks führt eine Brücke über den Fluss.
Near the park, a bridge crosses the river.