überleben
survive
Am Leben bleiben, auch wenn es schwierig oder gefährlich ist.
The German word "überleben" is a verb that means "to survive". It is composed of the prefix "über" (meaning "over" or "above") and the verb "leben" (meaning "to live"). Together, "überleben" conveys the idea of continuing to live or enduring through a difficult situation, often after an imminent threat or danger.
Similar words in German include "überdauern" (to endure or outlast) and "lebendig bleiben" (to stay alive).
The difference lies in nuance: while "überleben" specifically focuses on surviving a life-threatening situation, "übdauertern" refers more to lasting or existing longer than something else.
Make “überleben” part of your vocabulary.
Build your German vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.
Examples
Die Pflanze wird den Winter überleben.verb
The plant will survive the winter.
Viele Tiere können draußen überleben.verb
Many animals can survive outside.
Manche Pflanzen überleben auch im Winter.verb
Some plants survive even in winter.
Tiere können in der Wildnis oft nur durch Zusammenarbeit überleben.verb
Animals can often survive in the wild only by working together.
Keep exploring German
Learn words from the content you love.
Add words from websites, books and videos, then remember them with spaced repetition (SRS).
Scan for iPhone & iPad