to violate / cross
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to violate
To violate or disregard a rule, law, or boundary. This verb is not separable.
Er hat mit seinem Verhalten klar die Grenzen des Anstands übertreten.
With his behavior, he clearly violated the boundaries of decency.
In this meaning, 'übertreten' (to violate) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'über-' always stays at the beginning of the verb, even in a main clause.
Wer die Geschwindigkeit übertritt, muss mit einer Strafe rechnen.
Anyone who violates the speed limit must expect a penalty.
The word consists of 'über' (over) and 'treten' (to step). The meaning derives from the literal idea of stepping over a line or boundary.
Bitte übertreten Sie die weiße Linie nicht.
Please do not cross the white line.
The verb 'übertreten' (to violate) always requires a direct object in the accusative that indicates what is being violated.
Der Autofahrer hat das rote Ampelsignal übertreten.
The driver violated the red traffic light signal.
This verb is typically combined with abstract nouns that represent a rule or norm: 'ein Gesetz übertreten' (to violate a law), 'eine Regel übertreten' (to violate a rule), 'seine Befugnisse übertreten' (to exceed one's authority).
Mit dieser Aussage haben Sie Ihre Kompetenzen klar übertreten.
With this statement, you have clearly exceeded your authority.
to injure / hurt / violate
'verletzen' and 'übertreten' can both mean that someone acts against a rule or a law. 'verletzen' is a very common word for rights, duties, rules, or laws. 'übertreten' sounds somewhat more formal and is especially used with laws, regulations, or also boundaries. It emphasizes that a permitted boundary is crossed. Learners may confuse the words because both describe a violation. Also important: in this meaning, 'übertreten' is not separable, so you say 'er übertritt die Regel' (he violates the rule), not 'er tritt die Regel über'.
Wer die Sicherheitsregeln übertritt, muss die Werkstatt verlassen.
Anyone who violates the safety rules must leave the workshop.
Die Firma verletzt die Pflicht, ihre Kunden klar zu informieren.
The company is violating its duty to inform its customers clearly.