effort / overcoming
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effort
The mental or physical effort needed to overcome an inner barrier, fear, or resistance. Often used in the expression 'etwas kostet Überwindung' (something takes effort / courage).
Es hat mich große Überwindung gekostet, vor so vielen Leuten zu singen.
It took a great deal of effort for me to sing in front of so many people.
overcoming
The successful defeat of an opponent, the recovery from an illness, or the conquest of an obstacle.
Die Überwindung der Krankheit war ein langer und schwieriger Prozess.
Overcoming the illness was a long and difficult process.
'Die Überwindung' (overcoming / effort) is the noun related to the inseparable verb 'überwinden' (to overcome). The ending '-ung' turns the action of overcoming into a thing. The verb means to defeat a difficulty or obstacle.
Man muss seine Ängste überwinden, um frei zu sein.
You have to overcome your fears in order to be free.
This meaning is almost always used in the fixed expression 'es kostet jemanden Überwindung' (it takes someone effort / courage). The person who has to make the effort is in the accusative.
Es kostet mich jedes Mal Überwindung, vor Publikum zu sprechen.
It takes effort for me every time to speak in front of an audience.
In this meaning, what was overcome is often specified. This is usually done with a genitive, as in 'die Überwindung der Krise' (overcoming the crisis), or with 'von' + dative, as in 'die Überwindung von Hindernissen' (overcoming obstacles).
Die Überwindung seiner Spielsucht war ein großer Erfolg.
Overcoming his gambling addiction was a great success.
The expression 'es kostet Überwindung' always refers to an inner, psychological barrier. If, on the other hand, people speak of 'Überwindung von etwas' (overcoming something), e.g. an illness or an opponent, it means defeating an external problem.
Es kostete ihn Überwindung, von der hohen Brücke zu springen.
It took effort for him to jump from the high bridge.
coping
Überwindung emphasizes the inner effort needed to act despite fear or resistance. Bewältigung focuses more on the practical process of successfully dealing with a difficult or stressful situation.
Das Einsteigen in den Aufzug kostet Lara wegen ihrer Angst große Überwindung.
Because of her fear, getting into the elevator takes Lara a great deal of effort.
Bei der Bewältigung ihrer Angst helfen Lara regelmäßige kurze Fahrten mit dem Aufzug.
Regular short elevator rides help Lara cope with her fear.
