überholen
overtake
Sich schneller bewegen als jemand oder etwas und an ihm vorbeigehen oder -fahren.
The German word "überholen" is a verb that means "to overtake" or "to pass" (in the sense of moving ahead of someone or something). It is derived from the prefix "über" (over) and the verb "holen" (to fetch or to get). "Überholen" can be used in various contexts, such as passing another vehicle on the road or surpassing someone in performance or progress.
Similar words in German include "vorbeiziehen" (to pass by), "überflügeln" (to outstrip), and "einholen" (to catch up).
Differences between Similar Words:
- Vorbeiziehen: Typically means to move past something or someone without necessarily implying a position change or overtaking in competitive terms.
- Überflügeln: Often implies significantly surpassing or outclassing someone or something, particularly in performance or achievement.
- Einholen: Means to catch up with someone or something but does not imply surpassing — it indicates reaching the same level.
"Überholen" specifically emphasizes the act of moving ahead or ahead-passing something or someone in a more straightforward, often physical, manner.
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Examples
Das schnelle Auto überholt den Lastwagen.verb
The fast car overtakes the truck.
Er will den Lkw auf der Autobahn überholen.verb
He wants to overtake the truck on the highway.
Er überholt das langsame Fahrzeug auf der Autobahn.verb
He overtakes the slow vehicle on the highway.
Das Auto überholt das Motorrad.verb
The car overtakes the motorcycle.
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