exaggerated
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exaggerated
Presenting something as bigger, better, worse, or more intense than it really is; overstated.
Seine Reaktion war völlig übertrieben, es war doch nur ein kleiner Kratzer.
His reaction was completely exaggerated; it was only a small scratch.
excessive
Excessive; more than is necessary, normal, or desirable.
Ich finde 20 Euro für ein Sandwich einen übertriebenen Preis.
I think 20 euros for a sandwich is an excessive price.
'Übertrieben' (exaggerated) comes from the verb 'übertreiben' (to exaggerate) (über + treiben). Literally, it means to drive or push something 'beyond a goal.' This idea of 'too much' or 'too far' is present in both meanings.
Sei nicht so dramatisch und übertreib nicht immer alles!
Don't be so dramatic and don't always exaggerate everything!
The underlying verb 'übertreiben' (to exaggerate) is inseparable. The prefix 'über-' always remains attached to the verb, unlike with many other verbs with this prefix.
Er übertreibt seine sportlichen Erfolge gern ein wenig.
He likes to exaggerate his athletic achievements a little.
In the sense of 'übertrieben dargestellt' (exaggeratedly presented), the word often describes reactions, feelings, or stories. Common combinations are 'übertriebene Sorge' (excessive worry), 'eine übertriebene Reaktion' (an exaggerated reaction), or 'eine übertriebene Geschichte' (an exaggerated story).
Ihre Angst vor Spinnen ist wirklich übertrieben.
Her fear of spiders is really exaggerated.
In the meaning 'übermäßig' (excessive/excessively), 'übertrieben' (exaggerated/excessive) can also be used as an adverb to modify an adjective or verb. It then means 'excessively' or 'too.'
Das Hotel war übertrieben teuer.
The hotel was excessively expensive.
too much
zu viel directly indicates that an amount or level exceeds a desired limit. übertrieben evaluates the same thing more as inappropriate or excessive. For a specific quantity, zu viel is therefore often suitable; for an evaluative reaction, übertrieben is more likely.
Zehn Lichterketten wirken auf diesem kleinen Balkon übertrieben.
Ten strings of lights seem excessive on this small balcony.
Zehn Lichterketten sind für diesen kleinen Balkon zu viel.
Ten strings of lights are too much for this small balcony.
