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.
to surpass oneself
To achieve something that exceeds one's own previous best performances.
Mit diesem Konzert hat sich der Pianist selbst übertroffen.
With this concert, the pianist surpassed himself.
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 break
Brechen and übertreffen can express that an existing best mark is surpassed. Brechen combines idiomatically and directly with a record. Übertreffen, on the other hand, is used for a performance, a mark, or another basis of comparison that is now lower or worse.
Mit diesem Sprung übertrifft Nora die bisherige Bestleistung des Vereins.
With this jump, Nora surpasses the club’s previous best performance.
Mit diesem Sprung bricht Nora den bisherigen Vereinsrekord.
With this jump, Nora breaks the previous club record.
