01
überschreiten
to exceed
To go beyond or fail to comply with a set limit, value, measure, or deadline.
example
Die Redezeit darf 10 Minuten nicht überschreiten.
The speaking time must not exceed 10 minutes.
überschreiten
to exceed / cross
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Überschreiten' (to exceed / cross) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'über-' remains firmly attached to the verb stem 'schreiten' in all sentence forms.
EXAMPLE
Er überschreitet oft seine Kompetenzen.
He often exceeds his authority.
Word structure
The word is made up of 'über' (over) and 'schreiten' (to stride, solemnly). The literal meaning, 'to stride over something,' helps you understand the figurative meanings too, such as crossing boundaries or exceeding limits.
EXAMPLE
Als er die Ziellinie überschritt, jubelte die Menge.
When he crossed the finish line, the crowd cheered.
Use with the accusative
'Überschreiten' (to exceed / cross) is a transitive verb and always needs a direct object in the accusative. You always exceed or cross *something*.
EXAMPLE
Der Fahrer hat die erlaubte Geschwindigkeit überschritten.
The driver exceeded the permitted speed.
Perfect tense with 'haben'
Although the verb describes movement across a boundary, the perfect tense is always formed with 'haben' (to have), not with 'sein' (to be). This is a common mistake.
EXAMPLE
Der Alpinist hat den Gipfel gestern überschritten.
The mountaineer crossed the summit yesterday.
Typical collocations
In this meaning, 'überschreiten' (to exceed) is often combined with abstract limits and values. Typical examples are: exceeding the budget, the costs, a deadline, or a time limit.
EXAMPLE
Wir dürfen das geplante Budget für das Projekt nicht überschreiten.
We must not exceed the planned budget for the project.
Context: Physical boundaries
When it refers to physical movement, the verb is used with places and lines. Common objects are: crossing the border, the road, a river, or the finish line.
EXAMPLE
Es ist verboten, die Gleise an dieser Stelle zu überschreiten.
It is forbidden to cross the tracks at this point.
Context: Social rules
In a social or legal context, 'überschreiten' (to overstep) refers to intangible boundaries. Typical objects are: overstepping one's authority, one's powers, or a red line.
EXAMPLE
Mit dieser unverschämten Bemerkung hat er eine Grenze überschritten.
With that outrageous remark, he overstepped a boundary.
Compare with
überschreiten vs passieren
to happen / pass
'passieren' and 'überschreiten' can both have to do with a border or point. Here, 'passieren' means to pass by or pass through a particular point, for example a checkpoint or a border. 'überschreiten' puts more emphasis on crossing a line, border, or fixed measure to the other side, or going beyond a limit. It can also be used with numbers, deadlines, or rules. Learners may confuse the words because both are possible with borders. For a checkpoint or a point, 'passieren' sounds natural; for a border, limit, or rule, 'überschreiten' is more precise.
überschreiten
Herr Richter hat im Zug mit den Kindern die Landesgrenze überschritten.
Mr. Richter crossed the state border on the train with the children.
passieren
Der Bus passiert die Grenze kurz vor Mitternacht.
The bus passes the border shortly before midnight.
In real life
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