das  Überholmanöver

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˌyːbɐˈhoːlmaˌnøːvɐ/

🚗 What exactly is an Überholmanöver?

An Überholmanöver is the German term for an overtaking maneuver or passing maneuver in traffic. It describes the act of one vehicle passing another, slower-moving vehicle on the same road.

It's a planned action requiring special attention and adherence to traffic rules. The word is a compound of überholen (to overtake) and Manöver (maneuver). The article is always das because the base word Manöver is neuter.

⚠️ A risky or poorly executed Überholmanöver can lead to serious accidents.

📊 Grammar Check: das Überholmanöver under the Microscope

The noun "Überholmanöver" is neuter and uses the article das. Here is its declension:

📝 Everyday Examples

1. Der Fahrer leitete ein vorsichtiges Überholmanöver ein.
   (The driver initiated a careful overtaking maneuver.)
2. Auf dieser engen Straße sind Überholmanöver verboten.
   (Overtaking maneuvers are forbidden on this narrow road.)
3. Wegen eines gefährlichen Überholmanövers kam es fast zu einem Unfall.
   (Because of a dangerous overtaking maneuver, an accident almost occurred.)
4. Die Polizei untersucht das missglückte Überholmanöver.
   (The police are investigating the failed overtaking maneuver.)

🚦 When do people talk about an Überholmanöver?

The term Überholmanöver is mainly used in the context of road traffic. You'll find it in:

• Traffic reports: Reporting traffic jams or accidents caused by overtaking actions.
• Driving lessons: As an important part of learning safe driving practices.
• Conversations about driving: Describing personal experiences or the behavior of other drivers.
• Police reports and legal texts: Describing traffic violations or accident sequences.

One often distinguishes between a normales (normal), riskantes (risky), or abgeschlossenes (completed) Überholmanöver. It's more specific than the simple verb "überholen" (to overtake) as it emphasizes the entire process (pulling out, passing, pulling back in).

🧠 Mnemonics to Help You Remember

Article Mnemonic: Remember that German nouns ending in "-manöver" (like Wendemanöver - turning maneuver, Ausweichmanöver - evasive maneuver) are almost always neuter. So: das Manöver -> das Überholmanöver.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine you have to get 'über' (over/past) another car by 'holen' (fetching/getting ahead of it) – this requires a planned 'Manöver' (maneuver). So: Über-holen-Manöver = Überholmanöver.

↔️ Similar and Different: Synonyms & Antonyms

Watch Out! Similar Terms

• Wendemanöver: Turning maneuver (U-turn).
• Parkmanöver: Parking maneuver.
• Ausweichmanöver: Evasive maneuver (swerving to avoid something).

These terms describe other specific driving actions and are not synonyms for Überholmanöver.

😂 A Little Joke

Driving student asks the instructor: "Ist das jetzt ein gutes Überholmanöver?"
(Was that a good overtaking maneuver just now?)

Instructor replies: "Fast. Nur schade, dass der andere Wagen geparkt hat!"
(Almost. Just a pity the other car was parked!)

📜 Poem: Autobahn

Die Linke Spur, das Ziel ist klar,
Ein LKW, so wunderbar?
Nein, langsam schleicht er, träge sehr,
Ein Überholmanöver muss nun her!

Blinker links, ein Blick zurück,
Gas gegeben, welch ein Glück!
Vorbei am Riesen, schnell und flink,
Das war ein saub'rer Überhol-Link!

The left lane, the goal is clear,
A truck, oh how wonderful dear?
No, slowly it crawls, very lazily,
An overtaking maneuver is now a necessity!

Signal left, a glance behind,
Accelerate, what luck I find!
Past the giant, quick and keen,
That was a clean overtaking scene!

❓ Little Riddle

Ich brauch' Platz und klare Sicht,
Bin im Verkehr oft Pflicht und nicht
Nur ein Vorbeifahren, nein, geplant,
Hab' Ausscheren, Fahren, Einscheren genannt.

Was bin ich, dieses Tun im Nu?

I need space and a clear view,
In traffic, often a duty, it's true.
Not just passing by, but planned with care,
Pulling out, driving past, pulling in – I'm there.

What am I, this action swift and bright?

Solution: Das Überholmanöver (The overtaking maneuver)

🧩 Word Components & Trivia

Word Composition: The word "Überholmanöver" is composed of:

• überholen: The verb 'to overtake'. It itself consists of 'über-' (prefix meaning 'over' or 'past') and 'holen' (to fetch, get).
• Manöver: (from French 'manœuvre') A planned, often skillful movement or action.

Legal Context: In Germany, the Überholmanöver is regulated in detail by the Straßenverkehrs-Ordnung (StVO), specifically in § 5 (Section 5). Violations can lead to fines, points (Punkte in Flensburg), or even suspension of the driver's license (Fahrverbot).