to get through / to protrude
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to get through
To successfully cope with and get through a difficult, dangerous, or unpleasant situation.
Die Patientin hat die komplizierte Operation gut überstanden.
The patient got through the complicated operation well.
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.
Er hat die schwere Prüfung gut überstanden.
He got through the difficult exam well.
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).
Das kleine Unternehmen hat die Wirtschaftskrise nur knapp überstanden.
The small company only just got through the economic crisis.
When 'überstehen' means 'bewältigen' (to cope with / get through), it always needs an accusative object. You always get through 'etwas' (something).
Wir haben den langen Flug ohne Probleme überstanden.
We got through the long flight without any problems.
to survive
'überleben' and 'überstehen' can both mean that you are still there after something difficult and have put it behind you. 'überleben' is used especially when there is real danger to life, for example in an accident, a serious illness, or a war. 'überstehen' is broader and often less dramatic. You can get through an exam, an operation, a difficult week, or an illness. The words are confused because both describe a good outcome after a difficult situation. When it is about life and death, 'überleben' is more precise. When it is generally about a difficult or unpleasant time, 'überstehen' sounds more natural.
Nach zwei Wochen Ruhe hat Sofia die Grippe gut überstanden.
After two weeks of rest, Sofia got through the flu well.
Mehrere Menschen haben das Erdbeben nur knapp überlebt.
Several people only just survived the earthquake.