der Übertritt
switch
A person’s change from one group, party, religion, or organization to another.
EXAMPLE
Der Übertritt des Abgeordneten zur Oppositionspartei sorgte für Schlagzeilen.
The lawmaker’s switch to the opposition party made headlines.
der Übertritt
switch / crossing
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Meanings
der Übertritt
line crossing
In sports, crossing a marking line, which is counted as an error or foul, for example in shot put, long jump, or bowling.
EXAMPLE
Wegen eines knappen Übertritts wurde der Wurf für ungültig erklärt.
Because of a very slight line crossing, the throw was declared invalid.
der Übertritt
overflowing
A river or other body of water going over its banks, usually as a result of flooding.
EXAMPLE
Der starke Regen führte zum Übertritt des Flusses an mehreren Stellen.
The heavy rain led to the river overflowing at several points.
Usage tips
Word family
'Der Übertritt' is the noun form of the verb 'übertreten' (to cross over/violate). The basic idea of 'stepping over something' or 'crossing a boundary' appears in all meanings: you switch to another party, step over a line, or a river overflows its banks.
EXAMPLE
Sein Übertritt zu einer anderen Religion überraschte die ganze Familie.
His conversion to another religion surprised the whole family.
Correct preposition
When someone changes to another group, the preposition 'zu' (+ dative) is used. People speak of 'Übertritt zu einer Partei' (switch to a party) or 'zum Christentum' (conversion to Christianity).
EXAMPLE
Der Übertritt des Spielers zum Konkurrenzverein wurde offiziell bestätigt.
The player’s switch to the rival club was officially confirmed.
Context clue
The context makes the meaning clear: politics or religion points to a change of group. Sports terms like 'Wurf' (throw) or 'Sprung' (jump) indicate crossing a line. Words like 'Fluss' (river), 'Ufer' (bank), or 'Hochwasser' (flood) signal the nature-related meaning.
EXAMPLE
Der Weitsprung war ungültig wegen eines minimalen Übertritts.
The long jump was invalid because of a minimal line crossing.
Compare with
Übertritt vs Übergang
transition / crossing
Übergang and Übertritt can both describe a change into a new area. Übergang is general and emphasizes the process, while Übertritt places greater emphasis on a person joining another group or organization and often sounds more formal. Choose Übertritt for a clear change in affiliation.
Übertritt
Sein Übertritt zu einer anderen Organisation wurde offiziell bekannt gegeben.
His move to another organization was officially announced.
Übergang
Der Übergang von der alten zur neuen Organisation verlief langsam.
The transition from the old organization to the new one happened slowly.
In real life
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