German word

überfordern

Pronunciation

IPA/yːbɐˈfɔʁdɐn/

Meaning

  • verboverwhelm

Example

Die Arbeit überfordert mich manchmal.

The work sometimes overwhelms me.

Illustration for überfordern (overwhelm)

More examples

Man sollte Lernende nicht mit zu vielen Details im Gespräch überfordern.

One should not overwhelm learners with too many details in conversation.

Core concept

A person carries a growing stack of demands until it becomes too heavy to manage.

Common phrases

  • Kinder in der Schule überfordern

    overwhelm children at school

  • einen Gesprächspartner mit Details überfordern

    overwhelm a conversation partner with details

Similar words

überlasten: To burden someone with more work or responsibility than they can manage.
belasten: To place mental or physical strain on someone and drain their strength.
überwältigen: To leave someone unable to cope because of intense feelings or too much information.
erschöpfen: To use up someone's physical or mental energy until little strength remains.

Definition in German

jemanden mit zu vielen Aufgaben oder Erwartungen belasten, sodass er überfordert ist

Word origin

The verb combines über- ('beyond' or 'excessively') with fordern ('to demand'), forming the sense of demanding more than someone can manage.

Usage tips

  • In Die Arbeit überfordert mich, mich is accusative because the person affected is the direct object.

Other meanings

  • demand too much ofverb

Opposites

Related words

  • Überforderungoverburdeningnoun
  • überforderndoverwhelmingadjective

Word lists with this word