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
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
den Bogen überspannen
to go too far
To cross a boundary; to go too far or overdo something so that it is no longer acceptable.
EXAMPLE
Mit dieser unverschämten Forderung hast du den Bogen endgültig überspannt.
With this outrageous demand, you've finally gone too far.
überspannen
to overstretch
To overburden or overtax something so that it reaches its limits.
EXAMPLE
Du solltest deine Nerven nicht mit so viel Arbeit überspannen.
You shouldn't overstretch your nerves with so much work.
überspannen
to cover
To completely cover something with a material (e.g., fabric, leather, paper) by stretching it over it.
EXAMPLE
Der Lampenschirm wurde mit Seide neu überspannt.
The lampshade was newly covered with silk.
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 übertreiben
to exaggerate
Übertreiben and den Bogen überspannen (to go too far) can both mean that someone goes too far. Übertreiben describes excessive behavior in general. Den Bogen überspannen is a fixed expression and emphasizes that a boundary has been crossed and the behavior is no longer acceptable.
überspannen
Mit seiner persönlichen Beleidigung überspannt Paul den Bogen.
Paul goes too far with his personal insult.
übertreiben
Mit seinen ständigen Beschwerden übertreibt Paul ein wenig.
Paul is overdoing it a little with his constant complaints.
In real life
Loading video examples...