majority / numerical superiority
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numerical superiority
The state in which one group is larger in number than another.
Obwohl die gegnerische Mannschaft in der Überzahl war, konnten wir das Spiel gewinnen.
Although the opposing team had numerical superiority, we were able to win the game.
The word is made up of 'über' (over/above) and 'Zahl' (number). It literally describes a situation in which a group has a 'superior number,' meaning it is larger in number.
Die Angreifer waren in der Überzahl und gewannen schnell.
The attackers had numerical superiority and won quickly.
The most common and important use is the fixed expression 'in der Überzahl sein' (to be in the majority / to have numerical superiority). Learn this combination as one unit.
Bei der Demonstration waren die Frauen in der Überzahl.
At the demonstration, women were in the majority.
In sports, especially in football/soccer or ice hockey, 'in Überzahl spielen' (to play with numerical superiority) means that one team has more players on the field because an opponent has received a penalty.
Nach der roten Karte spielte unsere Mannschaft für den Rest des Spiels in Überzahl.
After the red card, our team played with numerical superiority for the rest of the game.
majority
'die Mehrheit' and 'die Überzahl' both say that a group is larger in number. 'Mehrheit' usually means more than half of a whole group, for example in a vote. 'Überzahl' more often means that one group has more people than another group. So it is more strongly about the comparison between two sides. Learners may confuse the words because both express 'more'. As a guide: for opinions, elections, and decisions, you usually say 'Mehrheit'. For games, fights, or direct comparisons between groups, 'Überzahl' often fits.
Im Training gewann das rote Team, weil es in Überzahl war.
In training, the red team won because it had more players.
Bei der Abstimmung war die Mehrheit für den neuen Plan.
In the vote, the majority was in favor of the new plan.