verb

überstehen

survive · overcome

Etwas Schwieriges oder Unangenehmes erfolgreich hinter sich bringen.

The German word "überstehen" is a verb meaning "to survive", "to endure", or "to get through" something difficult. It is composed of:

  • über – "over" or "above"
  • stehen – "to stand"

Together, it conveys the idea of "standing over" or "getting through" an ordeal.

Similar words:

  • durchstehen (to endure, to go through)
  • überleben (to survive)
  • aushalten (to endure, withstand)

Differences:

  • überstehen emphasizes successfully getting through a difficult period or event.
  • durchstehen often stresses enduring a hardship actively.
  • überleben focuses more on surviving, often in life-or-death contexts.
  • aushalten highlights withstanding something challenging or unpleasant, often temporarily.

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Examples

Wir werden die schwere Zeit überstehen.verb

We will survive the hard times.

Er muss die schwere Zeit überstehen.verb

He must survive the difficult time.

Habt ihr den langen Winter gut überstanden?verb

Did you survive the long winter well?

Wie konntet ihr so viele Herausforderungen überstehen?verb

How were you able to survive so many challenges?

Sie haben die schwierigen Prüfungen gemeinsam überstanden.verb

They survived the difficult exams together.

Die Mannschaft musste viele Verletzungen überstehen, um ins Finale zu kommen.verb

The team had to overcome many injuries to reach the final.

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