übergeordnet
superior
Standing at a higher level in a hierarchy or ranking system.
EXAMPLE
Die Abteilungsleiter berichten an die übergeordnete Geschäftsführung.
The department heads report to the superior executive management.
übergeordnet
higher-level / superior
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
übergeordnet
overarching
Being of more general or broader significance; a topic or concept that includes others under it.
EXAMPLE
Nachhaltigkeit ist das übergeordnete Thema der Konferenz.
Sustainability is the overarching theme of the conference.
Usage tips
Word structure
'Übergeordnet' (higher-level/superior) is the past participle of the verb 'überordnen'. It is made up of 'über' and 'ordnen' and literally means to place something 'above' something else in an order or hierarchy.
EXAMPLE
Das Wohl der Kinder ist allen anderen Interessen übergeordnet.
The well-being of the children takes priority over all other interests.
Sentence structure with dative
When you want to express to whom or what something is superior, you use the dative. The structure is: [thing A] ist [thing B in the dative] übergeordnet.
EXAMPLE
Die Zentrale in Berlin ist allen regionalen Büros übergeordnet.
The headquarters in Berlin is superior to all regional offices.
Context clue
The context makes the meaning clear: If 'übergeordnet' (higher-level/superior) refers to people or institutions, e.g. 'die übergeordnete Behörde' (the superior authority), it is about hierarchy. If it refers to abstract things, e.g. 'das übergeordnete Ziel' (the overarching goal), it is about importance or generality.
EXAMPLE
Der Manager muss sich an die übergeordnete Direktion wenden.
The manager has to contact the superior directorate.
Compare with
übergeordnet vs ober
upper
Both words can express a higher level in a hierarchy. “Ober” generally refers to a higher position, while “übergeordnet” explicitly marks a relationship to a lower level. Use “übergeordnet” when the relationship or line of authority is important, and “ober” when only the higher rank is meant.
übergeordnet
Die übergeordnete Leitung entscheidet über den Antrag.
The superior management decides on the application.
ober
Sie arbeitet in der oberen Leitungsebene des Unternehmens.
She works at the company’s upper management level.
In real life
Loading video examples...