01
überspringen
to skip
To intentionally leave something out, not work on it, or not pay attention to it.
example
Ich habe das langweilige Kapitel im Buch einfach übersprungen.
I simply skipped the boring chapter in the book.
überspringen
to skip / jump over / spread
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Meanings
01 / 03
Usage tips
Separable or inseparable?
This verb is a rare case: it can be separable or inseparable, and the meaning changes as a result. Inseparable, it means 'etwas auslassen' (to leave something out / skip something) (meaning 1). Separable, it means 'über etwas springen' (to jump over something) (meaning 2) or 'sich ausbreiten' (to spread) (meaning 3).
EXAMPLE
Ich überspringe die Werbung am Anfang des Videos.
I skip the ad at the beginning of the video.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'auslassen' (to leave out / skip), the verb is often combined with things that come in a sequence: 'eine Seite' (a page), 'eine Frage' (a question), 'eine Aufgabe' (a task), or 'eine Mahlzeit überspringen' (to skip a meal).
EXAMPLE
Wenn du die Antwort nicht weißt, überspringe die Frage und mach später weiter.
If you don't know the answer, skip the question and continue later.
Sentence structure with 'auf'
When something passes to something else, such as a feeling, fire, or disease, the separable form is used with the preposition 'auf' + accusative. The target to which it spreads is in the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Die Flammen sprangen schnell auf das Nachbarhaus über.
The flames quickly spread to the neighboring house.
Compare with
überspringen vs übertragen
to transmit / transfer
'übertragen' and 'überspringen' can both describe something like a disease, fire, or feeling moving from one person or thing to another. 'übertragen' is used especially when a pathogen is transmitted, often through contact, animals, or the air. 'überspringen' puts more emphasis on the move to the next person or thing, often suddenly or visibly, for example with fire or sparks. With diseases, both can occur, but 'eine Krankheit übertragen' (to transmit a disease) sounds more medical and precise. 'Eine Krankheit springt über' describes the spread more generally.
überspringen
Das Feuer springt bei starkem Wind schnell auf das Nachbarhaus über.
In strong winds, the fire quickly spreads to the neighboring house.
übertragen
Mücken können bestimmte Krankheiten auf Menschen übertragen.
Mosquitoes can transmit certain diseases to humans.
In real life
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