outstanding / towering
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outstanding
Far above average; exceptionally good, excellent, or outstanding in performance or quality.
Die Mannschaft gewann das Finale dank einer überragenden Leistung ihres Torwarts.
The team won the final thanks to an outstanding performance by their goalkeeper.
towering
Physically clearly larger than the surroundings; far exceeding something or someone in height.
Der überragende Gipfel des Berges war selbst aus der Ferne gut zu erkennen.
The towering peak of the mountain was easy to see even from a distance.
'Überragend' (outstanding/towering) is the present participle of the verb 'überragen' (to tower above). This verb literally means 'to be higher than something else' or figuratively 'to be better'. This double meaning is also found in the adjective.
Der neue Wolkenkratzer überragt alle anderen Gebäude der Stadt.
The new skyscraper towers above all the other buildings in the city.
You can easily recognize the meaning from the noun. If 'überragend' (towering/outstanding) refers to physical objects such as mountains, towers, or people, size is meant. If it refers to abstract things such as performance, talent, or quality, excellence is meant.
Der überragende Baum im Garten ist über 100 Jahre alt.
The towering tree in the garden is over 100 years old.
In its figurative meaning, 'überragend' (outstanding) is often combined with nouns that describe a quality or achievement. Typical examples are: 'eine überragende Leistung' (an outstanding performance), 'ein überragendes Talent' (an outstanding talent), or 'von überragender Bedeutung sein' (to be of outstanding importance).
Die wissenschaftliche Entdeckung war von überragender Bedeutung für die Medizin.
The scientific discovery was of outstanding importance for medicine.
excellent / protruding
Hervorragend and überragend can both describe exceptionally good performance or quality. Hervorragend emphasizes the very high level above all, while überragend usually also highlights clear superiority over others. Use hervorragend for strong general praise and überragend when the comparison is decisive.
Die Schülerin hat bei der Prüfung eine überragende Leistung gezeigt und lag deutlich vor den anderen.
The student gave an outstanding performance in the exam and was clearly ahead of the others.
Die Schülerin hat bei der Prüfung eine hervorragende Leistung gezeigt.
The student gave an excellent performance in the exam.
