01
überweisen
to transfer
To transfer money electronically from one account to another.
example
Ich muss die Miete noch für diesen Monat überweisen.
I still have to transfer the rent for this month.
überweisen
to transfer / to refer
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 02
Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Überweisen' (to transfer/to refer) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'über-' remains firmly attached to the verb stem in all conjugated forms and sentence types.
EXAMPLE
Sie hat das Geld gestern überwiesen.
She transferred the money yesterday.
Context clue
The meaning is very clear from context. If it is about 'Geld' (money), 'Konto' (account), or 'Rechnung' (bill/invoice), it refers to a bank transaction. If it is about 'Arzt' (doctor), 'Patient' (patient), or 'Klinik' (clinic/hospital), it refers to a medical referral.
EXAMPLE
Können Sie mir bitte das Geld für das Ticket überweisen?
Could you please transfer me the money for the ticket?
Sentence structure with money
For money transfers, the structure is often: '[Geld] auf ein Konto überweisen' ([money] to transfer to an account) or 'jemandem [Geld] überweisen' (to transfer [money] to someone). The person receiving the money can also be named with 'an' + accusative.
EXAMPLE
Ich überweise dir das Geld morgen.
I'll transfer you the money tomorrow.
Sentence structure with patients
For a medical referral, the structure 'jemanden (Akkusativ) an jemanden/etwas (Akkusativ) überweisen' (to refer someone to someone/something) is used. The preposition 'an' is crucial here.
EXAMPLE
Die Ärztin überwies den Patienten an einen Kardiologen.
The doctor referred the patient to a cardiologist.
Compare with
überweisen vs bezahlen
to pay
'bezahlen' and 'überweisen' can both be used with money. 'bezahlen' generally describes giving money for something. How you give the money is not important: in cash, by card, or by bank transfer. 'überweisen' is more specific and refers only to doing it through a bank account. Learners may confuse the words because you often pay a bill by transferring money. Practically speaking: 'bezahlen' is the goal, while 'überweisen' is one possible method.
überweisen
Sie überweist die Miete jeden Monat am ersten Tag.
She transfers the rent on the first day of every month.
bezahlen
Heute Abend bezahle ich die Kursgebühr online.
This evening I will pay the course fee online.
In real life
Loading video examples...