superior force / overwhelming power
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superior force
A clear superiority in terms of number, strength, or power, often in a conflict or competition.
Die kleine Mannschaft kämpfte tapfer gegen die sportliche Übermacht des Gegners.
The small team fought bravely against the opponent's superior athletic force.
The word is made up of the prefix 'über-' (over-/above-) and the noun 'die Macht' (power). It describes a power that is far above one's own or someone else's.
Die kleine Firma konnte sich gegen die Übermacht der großen Konzerne nicht durchsetzen.
The small company could not hold its own against the superior force of the large corporations.
When a fight or competition is being described, 'Übermacht' (superior force) very often appears with the preposition 'gegen' (against). You fight, play, or lose 'gegen die Übermacht' (against the superior force).
Die Mannschaft verlor das Spiel gegen die technische Übermacht des Gegners.
The team lost the game against the opponent's technical superiority.
In the context of competition or conflict, the superiority is often described more precisely. Common combinations are 'zahlenmäßige Übermacht' (numerical superiority), 'militärische Übermacht' (military superiority), or 'erdrückende Übermacht' (overwhelming superiority).
Die Armee musste sich aufgrund der zahlenmäßigen Übermacht des Feindes zurückziehen.
The army had to withdraw because of the enemy's numerical superiority.
This meaning is often used for abstract things such as feelings, forces of nature, or evidence. A typical phrase is 'angesichts der Übermacht von etwas' (in the face of the overwhelming power of something).
Angesichts der Übermacht ihrer Gefühle konnte sie nicht klar denken.
In the face of the overwhelming power of her feelings, she could not think clearly.
violence / authority / force
'die Gewalt' and 'die Übermacht' can both describe something strong that is difficult to resist. 'Gewalt' means either physical coercion against people or a very strong, often destructive force, for example in nature. 'Übermacht' means clear superiority, for example because one side has more people, more strength, or more power. It can also describe a strong influence, for example from feelings or evidence. The words can be confused because both have to do with strength and pressure. 'Gewalt' fits when force is actually being used or when something has a destructive effect. 'Übermacht' fits when one side or force is clearly stronger than the other.
Wegen der Übermacht des Gegners musste das kleine Team defensiv spielen.
Because of the opponent's superior force, the small team had to play defensively.
Die Gewalt des Sturms riss mehrere Bäume aus dem Boden.
The force of the storm tore several trees out of the ground.