to move on / ignore / turn into
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to move on to
To switch from one topic, activity, or phase to the next. Here the verb is inseparable.
Nach der Einführung können wir zum Hauptteil des Vortrags übergehen.
After the introduction, we can move on to the main part of the presentation.
to pass over
To intentionally or unintentionally ignore a person or fail to consider them in a decision. Here the verb is inseparable.
Sie fühlte sich übergangen, als ihr Kollege die Beförderung bekam.
She felt passed over when her colleague got the promotion.
to turn into
To gradually change into something else or become part of something else. Here the verb is separable.
Am Abend ging der leichte Regen in starken Schneefall über.
In the evening, the light rain turned into heavy snowfall.
'Übergehen' is a verb with a variable prefix. It is inseparable when it means 'to switch to a topic' or 'to ignore someone'. It is separable when it means 'to change/transform'.
Der Lehrer überging meine Frage und sprach weiter. (untrennbar)
The teacher ignored my question and continued speaking. (inseparable)
The preposition helps you recognize the meaning. 'Übergehen zu' (+ dative) means 'to switch/move on'. 'Übergehen in' (+ accusative) means 'to turn into'. Without a preposition and with a person as the object, it means 'to ignore'.
Lassen Sie uns zum nächsten Punkt übergehen.
Let us move on to the next point.
The expression 'zu etwas übergehen' (to move on to something) is often used in formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or speeches to announce the next step or next topic.
Nach dieser kurzen Pause können wir zum praktischen Teil übergehen.
After this short break, we can move on to the practical part.
In the meaning of 'ignorieren' (to ignore), 'übergehen' always has a direct accusative object, which is the person being ignored. No preposition is used.
Er fühlte sich verletzt, weil sein Chef ihn bei der Beförderung übergangen hatte.
He felt hurt because his boss had passed him over for the promotion.
to change / switch
Both words can refer to moving on to a new topic or activity. Wechseln is the general form; übergehen zu emphasizes the direct next step and is used with „zu“ in this meaning. übergehen zu is therefore especially suitable for a clear sequence, while wechseln is used for a neutral change.
Nach zehn Minuten ging die Lehrerin zum nächsten Thema über.
After ten minutes, the teacher moved on to the next topic.
Nach zehn Minuten wechselte die Lehrerin das Thema.
After ten minutes, the teacher changed the subject.
