der  Überfall

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈyːbɐˌfal/

🕵️ What exactly is "ein Überfall"?

Der Überfall (masculine) primarily describes a sudden, unexpected, and often violent attack or action where someone is caught by surprise. The most common meanings are:

• A criminal act: Especially a Raubüberfall (robbery), where property is stolen using force or threats (e.g., Banküberfall - bank robbery, Straßenraub - mugging).
• A military assault: A sudden, surprising attack on enemy positions or territory (e.g., an Überfall on a camp).
• A surprising action (less common, often metaphorical): A sudden, unexpected event or action that catches someone off guard, sometimes used in sports (e.g., a surprising counter-attack in football might be described as an Überfall).

🚨 The word carries a strong negative connotation and is mostly associated with danger, violence, or illegality.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📐 Grammar of "der Überfall" in Detail

The noun "Überfall" is masculine. Here are the declension tables:

💡 Example Sentences:

1. Der nächtliche Überfall auf die Tankstelle wurde von Kameras aufgezeichnet. (The nightly raid on the gas station was recorded by cameras.)
2. Die Polizei untersucht die Umstände des Überfalls. (The police are investigating the circumstances of the raid.)
3. Die Täter konnten nach dem Überfall unerkannt entkommen. (The perpetrators were able to escape unidentified after the raid.)
4. Er meldete den Überfall sofort der Polizei. (He immediately reported the raid to the police.)
5. Die Überfälle in der Gegend häufen sich. (The raids/attacks in the area are increasing.)
6. Die Aufklärung der Überfälle hat höchste Priorität. (Solving the raids is the highest priority.)
7. Die Opfer werden nach den Überfällen betreut. (The victims are being cared for after the attacks.)
8. Die Nachrichten berichten über die Überfälle. (The news reports on the raids/attacks.)

🗣️ When to use "Überfall"?

"Der Überfall" is mainly used in contexts related to crime or military actions.

• Crime: Most commonly, it refers to robbery (Banküberfall, Raubüberfall, Handtaschenraub). It implies speed, surprise, and often violence or the threat of violence.
• Military/War: Here, it describes a sudden attack or raid.
• Figurative meaning: Less often, it can be used metaphorically for a sudden, unexpected (often unpleasant) situation or action, e.g., an "Überfall" by unannounced guests, although this is rather colloquial and often meant humorously.

Distinction: An Angriff (attack) is more general and doesn't have to be surprising. An Einbruch (burglary) refers to unlawfully entering buildings, usually without direct confrontation at the time of the act, whereas an Überfall often involves direct confrontation with victims.

🧠 Mnemonics for "der Überfall"

For the article (der): Think of 'der'anged criminals or 'der'anged attackers – these masculine figures often commit 'der Überfall'. The sound association might help.

For the meaning (attack/raid/robbery): Imagine someone jumping 'über' (over) a fence and suddenly 'fall'-ing upon someone (attacking them) to rob them. Über + Fall = Sudden attack.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for "Überfall"

⚠️ Caution: Although similar, an Einbruch (burglary) is not the same as an Überfall. A burglary is breaking into a building; an Überfall is often a direct assault on people.

😄 A Little Joke

German: Ein Bankräuber stürmt in die Bank und schreit: "Hände hoch, oder die Geographieprofessorin kriegt eine Kugel!" Alle schauen sich verwirrt an. Der Bankräuber flüstert seiner Geisel zu: "Wie heißen Sie?" Sie: "Geographieprofessorin Müller."

English: A bank robber storms into the bank and shouts: "Hands up, or the geography professor gets a bullet!" Everyone looks confused. The bank robber whispers to his hostage: "What's your name?" She: "Geography Professor Müller."

📜 A Short Poem

German:
Im Dunkel der Gasse, ein schneller Schritt,
Ein Schatten huscht, man ist nicht mehr quitt.
Ein Schrei, ein Ruck, die Tasche ist fort,
Der Überfall, an finsterem Ort.
Herz pocht wild, die Angst, sie bleibt,
Bis Hilfe naht und Sicherheit treibt.

English:
In the dark alley, a rapid stride,
A shadow flits, no place to hide.
A scream, a tug, the bag is gone,
The raid/attack, in a place forlorn.
Heart pounds wildly, fear remains,
Till help arrives and safety reigns.

🧩 Little Riddle

German:
Ich komme schnell und unerwartet,
Bin oft geplant, doch selten gestartet,
Von dem, der mich erleiden muss.
Ich bringe Schrecken und Verdruss,
Ob in der Bank, auf dunkler Straß',
Oder im Krieg, welch ein Malpaß!

Was bin ich?

English:
I come quickly and unexpectedly,
Am often planned, but rarely started gladly,
By the one who must endure me.
I bring terror and misery,
Whether in the bank, on a dark street's pass,
Or in war, what a mishap, alas!

What am I? Solution: Der Überfall (The raid/attack/robbery)

➕ Additional Information

Word Composition:

The word "Überfall" is a noun derived from the verb "überfallen" (to attack, to raid). It is composed of:

• über: Prefix, here suggesting a sudden action, coming from above, or catching by surprise.
• Fall: From the verb "fallen" (to fall), used here in the sense of "to descend upon," "to attack."

Historical Context: The term was and is also heavily used in military contexts, e.g., der Überfall auf Polen (the invasion of Poland) in 1939.