to overlap / overshadow
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to overlap
Two or more things lie partly or completely on top of one another, so that they cover each other.
Die verschiedenen Gesteinsschichten überlagern sich und erzählen die geologische Geschichte der Region.
The different rock layers overlap and tell the geological history of the region.
to overshadow
A feeling, event, or topic is added to another and thereby becomes more important or dominates it.
Die Freude über den neuen Job wurde von der Sorge vor dem Umzug überlagert.
The joy about the new job was overshadowed by worry about the move.
to overlap
In physics, this refers to the meeting and combining of two or more waves (e.g., sound or light waves), which leads to interference.
Wenn sich zwei Wellen mit gleicher Frequenz und Amplitude konstruktiv überlagern, verdoppelt sich die Amplitude.
When two waves with the same frequency and amplitude overlap constructively, the amplitude doubles.
to become stale
To store goods or food for too long, so that they lose quality or become inedible.
Die Konserven im Keller waren schon seit Jahren überlagert.
The canned goods in the basement had already been stored for years and were stale.
'Überlagern' (to overlap / overshadow) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'über-' always stays attached to the verb stem 'lagern' (to store), even in a main clause.
Die eine Gesteinsschicht überlagert die andere.
One rock layer overlaps the other.
Pay attention to whether the verb is used reflexively ('sich überlagern') or non-reflexively. 'Sich überlagern' means that things lie on top of one another or happen at the same time. Without 'sich', it usually means that something else is pushed into the background or becomes too old.
Die beiden Termine überlagern sich leider.
Unfortunately, the two appointments overlap.
In the figurative meaning, 'überlagern' is often used with feelings, events, or topics. Typical formulations are 'ein Gefühl überlagert ein anderes' (one feeling overshadows another) or 'ein Thema überlagert die Diskussion' (one topic overshadows the discussion).
Die Freude über den Sieg wurde von der Nachricht seiner Verletzung überlagert.
The joy over the victory was overshadowed by the news of his injury.
When food or goods have been stored for too long, the past participle 'überlagert' is often used as an adjective. It then describes the state of no longer being fresh.
Der Käse ist schon etwas überlagert, aber man kann ihn noch essen.
The cheese is already a bit stale, but you can still eat it.
to spoil / ruin
When talking about food, „verderben“ and „überlagern“ can be mentioned together when it has been stored for too long. „Überlagern“ emphasizes the excessive storage time as the cause, while „verderben“ refers to the condition that has already resulted. Use „überlagern“ for the process and „verderben“ for the result.
Die Milch kann überlagern, wenn sie mehrere Tage im warmen Flur steht.
The milk can go bad if it stands in the warm hallway for several days.
Die Milch ist verdorben, weil sie mehrere Tage im warmen Flur stand.
The milk has spoiled because it stood in the warm hallway for several days.
