to overlap
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to overlap
Describes that two or more things (e.g., events, periods of time, areas) partially happen at the same time or occupy the same space.
Leider überschneiden sich die beiden Termine, sodass ich nur zu einem gehen kann.
Unfortunately, the two appointments overlap, so I can only go to one.
to overlap
In a figurative sense, that two or more topics, ideas, or areas of interest have elements or aspects in common.
In unserer Diskussion haben wir gemerkt, dass sich unsere Meinungen in vielen Punkten überschneiden.
In our discussion, we noticed that our opinions overlap on many points.
'Überschneiden' (to overlap) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'über-' is never separated from the verb stem, not even in a main clause or in the past participle.
Die beiden Konferenzen haben sich leider überschnitten.
Unfortunately, the two conferences overlapped.
This verb is almost always used reflexively as 'sich überschneiden' (to overlap). Either the subject is plural, or a singular subject is combined with 'mit + dative'.
Unsere Urlaubspläne überschneiden sich.
Our vacation plans overlap.
The word is made up of 'über' and 'schneiden'. You can imagine it visually: two things, for example circles, 'schneiden' sich (intersect) by having one part lie over the other.
Auf der Karte überschneiden sich die beiden markierten Gebiete.
On the map, the two marked areas overlap.
The meaning depends on the subject. With concrete subjects like 'Termine' (appointments) or 'Wege' (paths), it is about a real overlap in time or space. With abstract subjects like 'Interessen' (interests) or 'Themen' (topics), it is about shared content.
Die Laufstrecken der beiden Gruppen überschneiden sich im Park.
The running routes of the two groups overlap in the park.
to cover / overlap
Both sich überdecken and sich überschneiden can describe two things having an area in common. „Sich überschneiden“ is the usual, neutral term for shared times, spaces, or areas; „sich überdecken“ emphasizes more strongly that the things partially lie on top of each other. In everyday use, „sich überschneiden“ is usually the better choice.
Die beiden Folien überschneiden sich an einer Stelle, sodass dort beide Farben sichtbar sind.
The two sheets overlap at one point, so both colors are visible there.
Die beiden Folien überdecken sich an einer Stelle, sodass dort beide Farben sichtbar sind.
The two sheets overlap at one point, so both colors are visible there.
