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
Both umfassend and übergreifend can describe a plan covering many topics. Umfassend emphasizes completeness of content, including within a single area. Übergreifend is especially appropriate when the plan connects several areas, groups, or topics.
Das Unternehmen entwickelte einen abteilungsübergreifenden Plan für die gemeinsame Weiterbildung.
The company developed a cross-departmental plan for joint training.
Die Personalabteilung entwickelte einen umfassenden Plan für die Weiterbildung ihrer Beschäftigten.
The human resources department developed a comprehensive training plan for its employees.
