overpowering / overwhelming
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overpowering
So strong, large, or influential that one cannot defend oneself against it or prevail over it.
Die kleine Rebellengruppe stand einem übermächtigen Gegner gegenüber.
The small rebel group faced an overpowering opponent.
overwhelming
Describes a feeling, urge, or desire that is so intense that it is hardly possible to control.
Plötzlich überkam ihn ein übermächtiges Gefühl der Müdigkeit.
Suddenly, an overwhelming feeling of tiredness came over him.
The word is made up of the prefix 'über-' and the adjective 'mächtig' (powerful). Here, 'über-' intensifies the meaning and means 'too much' or 'extremely', so 'extremely powerful'.
Die kleine Firma konnte gegen die übermächtige Konkurrenz nicht bestehen.
The small company could not hold its own against the overpowering competition.
The noun that 'übermächtig' (overpowering/overwhelming) describes reveals the meaning. If it refers to an external force such as 'Gegner' (opponent) or 'Konkurrenz' (competition), it is about strength. If it refers to an inner sensation such as 'Gefühl' (feeling) or 'Wunsch' (wish), it is about intensity.
Die Armee stand einem übermächtigen Feind gegenüber.
The army faced an overpowering enemy.
When referring to feelings, 'übermächtig' (overwhelming) is often combined with nouns such as 'Gefühl' (feeling), 'Wunsch' (wish), 'Drang' (urge), 'Verlangen' (desire), or 'Müdigkeit' (tiredness).
Nach der langen Wanderung überfiel ihn eine übermächtige Müdigkeit.
After the long hike, overwhelming tiredness came over him.
overwhelming
Überwältigend and übermächtig both describe a very strong effect or sensation. Überwältigend emphasizes that something deeply moves or impresses someone; übermächtig emphasizes, in the case of a feeling or urge, that it is hardly possible to control. Choose the word according to the effect involved or the lack of control.
Der Drang, sofort nach Hause zu gehen, wurde übermächtig.
The urge to go home immediately became overpowering.
Die Freude über den Sieg war für die Spieler überwältigend.
The players were overwhelmed by their joy at the victory.
