die  Überwindung

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˌyːbɐˈvɪndʊŋ/

💪 What does 'die Überwindung' mean?

Die Überwindung (noun, feminine) describes the act of overcoming or the result of it. It refers to successfully mastering difficulties, obstacles, internal resistance (like fear or laziness), or even external opponents. It often involves considerable Anstrengung (effort) or willpower.

Essentially, it's about mastering something difficult or conquering oneself. It can relate to physical, psychological, or emotional challenges.

Examples:

• Die Überwindung der eigenen Angst. (The overcoming of one's own fear.)
• Es kostete ihn viel Überwindung, die Wahrheit zu sagen. (It took him a lot of effort/courage to tell the truth.)
• Die Überwindung einer Krankheit. (The overcoming of an illness.)

The word derives from the verb "überwinden" (to overcome, to conquer).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of Überwindung in Detail

The noun "Überwindung" is feminine. Therefore, the correct article is die.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Die Überwindung seiner Flugangst war ein großer Erfolg. (Overcoming his fear of flying was a great success.)
2. Es bedarf einiger Überwindung, vor Publikum zu sprechen. (It requires some effort/courage to speak in front of an audience.)
3. Nach langer Krankheit feierte sie die Überwindung ihrer Leiden. (After a long illness, she celebrated overcoming her suffering.)
4. Die Läuferin erreichte das Ziel nur mit letzter Überwindung. (The runner reached the finish line only with the last bit of effort/willpower.)

💡 How to use 'die Überwindung'?

Die Überwindung is mainly used in contexts discussing effort, willpower, and mastering challenges.

• Internal Resistance: Very often, "Überwindung" refers to conquering one's own feelings like fear, shyness, laziness, or doubt. Example: Es kostete sie Überwindung, den ersten Schritt zu tun. (It took her effort/courage to take the first step.)
• External Obstacles: It can also mean overcoming external difficulties, problems, or illnesses. Example: Die Überwindung der Wirtschaftskrise erforderte gemeinsame Anstrengungen. (Overcoming the economic crisis required joint efforts.)
• Phrases: It often appears with verbs like "kosten" (to cost) - Es kostet Überwindung (It takes effort/courage) - or "bedürfen" (to require) - Es bedarf Überwindung (It requires effort/courage).

Distinction from "Bewältigung" (coping): While "Überwindung" often emphasizes the moment of breakthrough or the necessary willpower, "Bewältigung" (e.g., Trauerbewältigung - grief coping, Stressbewältigung - stress management) focuses more on the process of dealing with a difficult situation over time.

🧠 Mnemonics for Überwindung

1. Article Mnemonic (die):

   Remember that many German nouns ending in "-ung" are feminine (die), like die Meinung (opinion), die Lösung (solution). Überwindung fits this pattern! Think: "It takes die (the) effort to overcome something."

2. Meaning Mnemonic:

   Break it down: über means 'over', and winden relates to 'winding' or 'struggling'. Imagine having to struggle over a huge obstacle. That requires great effort – Überwindung!

↔️ Opposites and Similar Terms

⚠️ Note: Words like "Unterwerfung" (submission) are not direct opposites but rather describe the result of failing to overcome someone or something powerful.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Lehrer: "Fritzchen, was braucht man, um morgens aufzustehen?"

Fritzchen: "Vor allem Überwindung, Herr Lehrer, sehr viel Überwindung!"

Translation:

The teacher asks: "Freddy, what do you need to get up in the morning?"

Freddy: "Mostly Überwindung (effort/overcoming oneself), teacher, a lot of Überwindung!"

📜 A Poem about Überwindung

Der Berg so steil, der Weg so lang,
Im Herzen Zweifel, Angst und Bang.
Doch Schritt für Schritt, mit Mut im Blick,
Geht es voran, Stück für Stück.
Die Kraft, sie wächst, der Wille stark,
Man spürt es tief bis ins Mark.
Ist erst der Gipfel dann erreicht,
War's die Überwindung, die es zeigt.

Translation:

The mountain so steep, the path so long,
In the heart doubt, fear, and dread.
But step by step, with courage in sight,
Moving forward, bit by bit.
The strength, it grows, the will is strong,
One feels it deep down to the core.
Once the summit is finally reached,
It was the overcoming that is shown.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich koste Mut und manchmal Kraft,
Hab' schon manchen zum Ziel gebracht.
Ich helfe dir, die Angst zu zähmen,
Und Schwierigkeiten wegzunehmen.

Was bin ich?

Translation:

I cost courage and sometimes strength,
Have brought many to their goal.
I help you tame the fear,
And take difficulties away.

What am I?

Solution: die Überwindung (overcoming / effort)

🧩 Further Details

Word Formation:

The word "Überwindung" is a noun derived from the verb "überwinden" (to overcome). It consists of:

• Prefix: über- (indicates moving over something or surpassing it)
• Stem: winden (originally: to turn, to struggle, to twist)
• Suffix: -ung (forms feminine nouns from verbs, denoting a process or result)

Related Words:

• überwinden (verb): to perform the act of overcoming.
• unüberwindbar/unüberwindlich (adjective): insurmountable; describes an obstacle that cannot be overcome.
• Selbstüberwindung (noun): self-conquest; overcoming one's own weaknesses or internal resistance.