01
überspannen
to span
To extend over something as a bridge, arch, or roof and connect two points with each other.
example
Eine moderne Hängebrücke überspannt den Fluss.
A modern suspension bridge spans the river.
überspannen
to span / overstretch / cover
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Überspannen' (to span / overstretch / cover) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'über-' stays firmly attached to the verb stem 'spannen' in all sentence forms and tenses.
EXAMPLE
Er hat seine Muskeln beim Sport überspannt.
He overstretched his muscles while exercising.
Context is crucial
The meaning depends strongly on the object. With structures (bridge, roof), it is meant literally. With feelings (nerves, patience), it is figurative. With materials (fabric, leather), it means 'to cover.'
EXAMPLE
Ein großes Glasdach überspannt den Innenhof.
A large glass roof spans the courtyard.
Fixed expression
The expression 'den Bogen überspannen' (to go too far / to overstep the mark) is a fixed unit. It means that someone crosses a boundary of what is acceptable. The object here is always 'den Bogen' (the bow).
EXAMPLE
Seine Witze waren anfangs lustig, aber jetzt hat er den Bogen überspannt.
His jokes were funny at first, but now he has gone too far.
Typical combinations
In the figurative meaning 'to overburden,' the verb is often used with abstract nouns. Typical examples are: 'seine Kräfte überspannen' (to overtax one's strength), 'die Nerven überspannen' (to overstretch one's nerves), or 'die Erwartungen überspannen' (to set expectations too high).
EXAMPLE
Man sollte seine finanziellen Möglichkeiten nicht überspannen.
You shouldn't overstretch your financial means.
Sentence structure with 'mit'
When 'überspannen' means 'bedecken' (to cover), the material is named with the preposition 'mit' and the dative. The structure is: something (accusative) with something (dative) überspannen.
EXAMPLE
Der alte Stuhl wurde mit neuem Leder überspannt.
The old chair was covered with new leather.
Compare with
überspannen vs beziehen
to refer / move into / receive
'beziehen' and 'überspannen' can both mean that something is covered with a material. 'beziehen' is used especially for furniture, beds, or chairs when they get a new fabric or leather covering. 'überspannen' emphasizes more strongly that a material is stretched over something and covers it completely. The words can be confused when fabric or leather is involved. For furniture, 'beziehen' usually sounds more natural, while 'überspannen' more often describes how the material is pulled tightly over a surface.
überspannen
Für die Feier überspannen sie den Rahmen mit einer weißen Plane.
For the celebration, they stretch a white tarp over the frame.
beziehen
Wir lassen den alten Sessel mit hellem Stoff beziehen.
We are having the old armchair covered with light-colored fabric.
In real life
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