01
übertragen
to transmit
To send data, signals, or information from one device or place to another.
example
Die Dateien werden verschlüsselt über das Netzwerk übertragen.
The files are transmitted over the network in encrypted form.
übertragen
to transmit / transfer
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The verb is made up of the prefix “über-” and the verb “tragen” (to carry). The basic idea of “carrying something across a distance or from one thing to another” connects all meanings, whether it is about data, diseases, or responsibility.
EXAMPLE
Der Kurier trägt das Paket über die Straße.
The courier carries the package across the street.
Inseparable verb
“Übertragen” (to transmit/transfer) is an inseparable verb. The prefix “über-” is not stressed and remains firmly attached to the verb in all sentence forms. So it never moves to the end of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Das Fernsehen überträgt das Konzert live.
Television broadcasts the concert live.
Context clues
The object of the verb reveals the exact meaning. “Daten” (data) or “Signale” (signals) point to technology, “eine Krankheit” (a disease) to medicine, and “eine Aufgabe” (a task) or “Verantwortung” (responsibility) to a work or organizational situation.
EXAMPLE
Können Sie die Datei auf meinen Computer übertragen?
Can you transfer the file to my computer?
Typical collocations
When a program is broadcast, typical combinations are “live übertragen” (to broadcast live), “im Fernsehen übertragen” (to broadcast on television), “im Radio übertragen” (to broadcast on the radio), or “weltweit übertragen” (to broadcast worldwide).
EXAMPLE
Die Rede des Präsidenten wird live im Internet übertragen.
The president’s speech will be broadcast live on the internet.
Dative construction
When a task or responsibility is passed on, the person who receives it is in the dative. The structure is: Someone (nominative) überträgt someone (dative) something (accusative).
EXAMPLE
Die Chefin hat ihrer Assistentin die Projektleitung übertragen.
The boss transferred project management to her assistant.
Sentence structure with “auf”
When an idea or principle is applied, the preposition “auf” is used with the accusative. The structure is: etwas auf etwas (accusative) übertragen.
EXAMPLE
Diese Regel lässt sich nicht auf alle Situationen übertragen.
This rule cannot be applied to all situations.
Compare with
übertragen vs übernehmen
to take over / take on
'übernehmen' and 'übertragen' can be confused because both occur with tasks, rights, or ideas. 'übernehmen' describes the person or side that receives something and then does or uses it themselves. 'übertragen' describes more the process of passing something on from one person or area to another person or area. With tasks, this means: one person assigns a task with 'übertragen', and another person takes it on with 'übernehmen'. With ideas, you can transfer a principle to another area; if you use an idea for yourself, you adopt it with 'übernehmen'.
übertragen
Die Chefin überträgt die Verantwortung für das Projekt an Mehmet.
The boss transfers responsibility for the project to Mehmet.
übernehmen
In der Schule übernimmt Leon heute die Begrüßung der Gäste.
At school, Leon is taking on the greeting of the guests today.
In real life
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