German word

Oberhand

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈoːbɐˌhant/

Meaning

  • feminine nounupper hand

Example

In der Diskussion gewann sie die Oberhand.

In the discussion, she gained the upper hand.

Illustration for Oberhand (upper hand)

More examples

Nach der Umstrukturierung hatte das Management wieder die Oberhand.

After the restructuring, management had the upper hand again.

Core concept

One side in a contest rises above the other and directs what happens.

Common phrases

  • die Oberhand haben

    have the upper hand

  • die Oberhand zurückgewinnen

    regain the upper hand

Similar words

Vorteil: A favorable condition or benefit in a specific situation.
Vorsprung: Being ahead in time, distance, points, or progress.
Überlegenheit: Clearly greater strength, ability, or power than an opponent.

Definition in German

Die Überlegenheit in einem Streit, Gespräch oder Wettbewerb; der Zustand, in dem jemand die Kontrolle hat.

Word origin

The compound combines German ober ('upper') and Hand ('hand'), preserving a literal image that developed into a figurative position of advantage.

Usage tips

  • Oberhand is feminine, so the fixed phrases are die Oberhand gewinnen and die Oberhand behalten.

Opposites

  • Unterlegenheitinferioritynoun

Word lists with this word