überstehen
to get through
To successfully cope with and get through a difficult, dangerous, or unpleasant situation.
EXAMPLE
Die Patientin hat die komplizierte Operation gut überstanden.
The patient got through the complicated operation well.
überstehen
to get through / to protrude
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Meanings
überstehen
to protrude
To physically stick out beyond an edge or surface.
EXAMPLE
Das Dach des Carports steht auf der Rückseite einen halben Meter über.
The roof of the carport protrudes half a meter at the back.
Usage tips
Separable vs. inseparable
This verb has two forms: 'überstehen' (inseparable) means 'to get through a difficult time'. 'überstehen' (separable, stress on 'über') means 'to protrude', and the prefix goes to the end of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Er hat die schwere Prüfung gut überstanden.
He got through the difficult exam well.
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'bewältigen' (to cope with / get through), 'überstehen' (to get through) is often used with negative or difficult events. Typical phrases are: 'eine Krankheit überstehen' (to get through an illness), 'eine Krise überstehen' (to get through a crisis), or 'eine Operation überstehen' (to get through an operation).
EXAMPLE
Das kleine Unternehmen hat die Wirtschaftskrise nur knapp überstanden.
The small company only just got through the economic crisis.
Use with accusative
When 'überstehen' means 'bewältigen' (to cope with / get through), it always needs an accusative object. You always get through 'etwas' (something).
EXAMPLE
Wir haben den langen Flug ohne Probleme überstanden.
We got through the long flight without any problems.
Compare with
überstehen vs bestehen
to pass / consist / exist
For a difficult exam, bestehen and überstehen can both be appropriate. Bestehen emphasizes that the required performance was achieved, while überstehen highlights that someone successfully got through the stressful situation. The exam can therefore be both passed and endured as an exhausting experience.
überstehen
Jonas hat die schwierige Prüfung trotz großer Nervosität gut überstanden.
Jonas got through the difficult exam well despite being extremely nervous.
bestehen
Jonas hat die schwierige Prüfung mit genügend Punkten bestanden.
Jonas passed the difficult exam with enough points.
In real life
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