01
übergeben
to hand over
To give something to someone, usually in a formal or official way; to hand something over.
example
Bei der Feier wurde dem Gewinner ein Scheck übergeben.
At the ceremony, a check was handed over to the winner.
übergeben
to hand over / to vomit
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Meanings
01 / 04
Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Übergeben' (to hand over/to vomit) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'über-' always stays attached to the verb and is not stressed. The stress is on the second syllable: über-GE-ben.
EXAMPLE
Er übergab mir die Dokumente am Ende des Gesprächs.
He handed me the documents at the end of the conversation.
Dative and accusative object
In most meanings, except 'sich übergeben' (to vomit), the verb needs two objects: the person receiving something is in the dative, and the thing being given is in the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Der Präsident übergab dem Sieger (Dativ) die Medaille (Akkusativ).
The president handed the winner (dative) the medal (accusative).
Reflexive use
The meaning 'erbrechen' (to vomit) exists only when the verb is used reflexively with 'sich'. Without the reflexive pronoun, 'übergeben' never has this meaning.
EXAMPLE
Mir wurde plötzlich so schlecht, dass ich mich übergeben musste.
I suddenly felt so sick that I had to vomit.
Context clue
The exact meaning depends heavily on the object. A concrete object points to 'aushändigen' (to hand over) (m01), a company or an office to 'Verantwortung weitergeben' (to pass on responsibility) (m03), and a city or fortress to 'kapitulieren' (to surrender/capitulate) (m04).
EXAMPLE
Der Kapitän weigerte sich, das Schiff zu übergeben.
The captain refused to surrender the ship.
Compare with
übergeben vs geben
to give
'geben' and 'übergeben' can both mean that something goes from one person to another. 'geben' is the normal, general word in everyday life. 'übergeben' sounds more formal or official and is especially appropriate when documents, keys, tasks, or responsibility are passed on. Learners may confuse the words because in both cases someone receives something. In simple everyday situations, 'geben' sounds more natural; for an official handover, 'übergeben' is more precise.
übergeben
Vor dem Termin hat die Assistentin dem Kunden die Unterlagen übergeben.
Before the appointment, the assistant handed the documents over to the customer.
geben
Kannst du mir bitte den Stift geben?
Can you please give me the pen?
In real life
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