overarching / cross-cutting
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overarching / cross-cutting
Encompassing or connecting several areas, topics, groups, or disciplines.
Wir brauchen eine übergreifende Strategie, die alle Abteilungen einbezieht.
We need an overarching strategy that includes all departments.
'Übergreifend' (overarching/cross-cutting) is the present participle of the separable verb 'übergreifen' (to spread across/to extend beyond). The prefix 'über-' here means 'across something' or 'encompassing several things.'
Die Begeisterung für das Projekt griff schnell auf andere Abteilungen über.
Enthusiasm for the project quickly spread to other departments.
The word is very often used as an adverb to express that something covers several areas or topics. It then usually appears near the verb.
Wir müssen bei diesem Problem übergreifend denken und handeln.
We need to think and act across areas on this problem.
'Übergreifend' (overarching/cross-cutting) is often combined with abstract nouns. Typical examples are 'ein übergreifendes Thema' (an overarching topic), 'ein übergreifendes Konzept' (an overarching concept), 'eine übergreifende Strategie' (an overarching strategy), and 'eine übergreifende Zusammenarbeit' (cross-departmental/cross-area collaboration).
Digitalisierung ist ein übergreifendes Thema, das alle Branchen betrifft.
Digitalization is an overarching topic that affects all industries.
comprehensive
'umfassend' and 'übergreifend' can both express that something affects more than just a small area. 'umfassend' emphasizes completeness and many individual details. 'übergreifend' emphasizes more the connection between several areas, groups, or topics. The words can be confused because both feel broad in scope. A 'umfassende Erklärung' (comprehensive explanation) is very complete; an 'übergreifendes Projekt' (cross-cutting project), for example, connects several departments or subjects.
An der Schule gibt es ein übergreifendes Projekt zu Natur und Umwelt.
At the school, there is a cross-curricular project on nature and the environment.
Mein Vater sucht eine umfassende Beratung für die ganze Familie.
My father is looking for comprehensive advice for the whole family.