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.
transfer
The transport of a person or thing from one place to another, often in a formal or official context. This can refer to the transfer of a body, a prisoner, or a vehicle.
Die Überführung des Verstorbenen in seine Heimatstadt wurde von der Familie organisiert.
The transfer of the deceased to his hometown was organized by the family.
proof of guilt
In a legal sense, the proof that a person is guilty of a crime.
Die Videoaufnahmen führten zur Überführung des Täters.
The video recordings led to proof of the perpetrator's guilt.
'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.
proof / evidence
Nachweis is a general term for proof of a claim and can also concern someone's guilt. Überführung, by contrast, specifically refers to successfully proving that a person committed a crime. When referring to a suspect, Überführung therefore emphasizes that their guilt has been proven.
Die Videoaufnahme ermöglichte die Überführung des Tatverdächtigen.
The video recording made it possible to prove the suspect's guilt.
Die Videoaufnahme ermöglichte den Nachweis seiner Beteiligung an der Tat.
The video recording made it possible to prove his involvement in the crime.
