übermütig
high-spirited
Lively and cheerful, often with a lot of energy and little restraint.
EXAMPLE
Die übermütigen Kinder rannten lachend durch den Garten.
The high-spirited children ran laughing through the garden.
übermütig
high-spirited / reckless
übermütig – übermütiger – am übermütigsten
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Meanings
übermütig
reckless
Careless and foolhardy because of excessive confidence or high spirits.
EXAMPLE
Er wurde übermütig und sprang ohne nachzudenken von der Mauer.
He became reckless and jumped off the wall without thinking.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry übermütig, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
Comparison
| basic form | übermütig |
|---|---|
| comparative | übermütiger |
| superlative | am übermütigsten |
After der, die, das
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -e | -e | -e | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -e | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to übermütig.
After ein, eine
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to übermütig.
Without article
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -e |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -e |
| dat. | -em | -er | -em | -en |
| gen. | -en | -er | -en | -er |
Add the ending to übermütig.
Usage tips
Word formation
'Übermütig' is derived from the noun 'Übermut' (high spirits) with the ending '-ig'. Depending on the context, the word can therefore sound either cheerfully exuberant or critically reckless.
EXAMPLE
Die übermütige Gruppe sang und tanzte bis spät in die Nacht.
The high-spirited group sang and danced until late at night.
Context clue
When describing cheerful activities, laughter, and play, 'übermütig' usually expresses a good mood and lots of energy. When risky actions or consequences are the focus, the word often describes careless behavior.
EXAMPLE
Die übermütigen Jugendlichen machten im Schnee eine ausgelassene Schneeballschlacht.
The high-spirited teenagers had an exuberant snowball fight in the snow.
Nach drei Siegen in Folge wurde der Favorit übermütig und unterschätzte seinen Gegner.
After three wins in a row, the favorite became overconfident and underestimated his opponent.
Typical collocations
In its positive sense, 'übermütig' often occurs with children, laughter, games, or a mood. Typical collocations include 'übermütige Kinder' (high-spirited children), 'übermütiges Lachen' (playful laughter), and 'übermütige Stimmung' (high-spirited mood).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem gewonnenen Spiel herrschte eine übermütige Stimmung in der Mannschaft.
After winning the game, there was a high-spirited mood among the team.
Behavior pattern
In its critical sense, 'übermütig' is often used with 'werden' (to become) or with risky actions. The context often shows that someone is acting without thinking or ignoring a warning.
EXAMPLE
Die Bergsteiger wurden übermütig und verließen trotz des Wetters den sicheren Weg.
The mountaineers became reckless and left the safe path despite the weather.
In real life
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