to surpass
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to surpass
To be better, bigger, faster, or more outstanding in some other quality than someone or something else.
Die Schülerin hat mit ihren Leistungen alle Erwartungen übertroffen.
The student surpassed all expectations with her performance.
The verb 'übertreffen' (to surpass) is inseparable. The prefix 'über-' remains firmly attached to the verb in all sentence forms and tenses and is not placed at the end of the sentence.
Der neue Film übertrifft den alten bei Weitem.
The new film far surpasses the old one.
The person or thing that is surpassed is always in the accusative. You ask: Whom or what does someone surpass?
Die Athletin übertraf ihren eigenen Rekord.
The athlete surpassed her own record.
'Übertreffen' (to surpass) is often used with abstract nouns to express that something is better than expected. Typical combinations are 'Erwartungen übertreffen' (to surpass expectations), 'Prognosen übertreffen' (to surpass forecasts), or 'Ziele übertreffen' (to surpass goals).
Das Ergebnis der Wahl hat alle Prognosen übertroffen.
The election result surpassed all forecasts.
The reflexive expression 'sich selbst übertreffen' (to surpass oneself) is very common. It means that someone achieves something better than anything he or she has achieved before.
Mit diesem Gericht hat sich der Koch selbst übertroffen.
With this dish, the chef surpassed himself.
to hit / beat
'schlagen' and 'übertreffen' can both appear in comparisons or competitions. 'schlagen' is used when someone beats an opponent in a game, fight, or competition. 'übertreffen' means that someone or something is better, bigger, or stronger than another person, thing, or previous achievement. There does not have to be a direct opponent. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with being better than something or someone. Memory tip: you 'schlagen' an opponent, but you 'übertreffen' a performance, an expectation, or a benchmark.
Mit ihrer Präsentation übertraf Sofia alle Erwartungen.
With her presentation, Sofia surpassed all expectations.
Unsere Mannschaft hat den Tabellenführer mit 2:1 geschlagen.
Our team beat the league leader 2–1.