überwinden
Translation
to overcome, to conquer, to surmount
Examples
Man muss seine Ängste überwinden.
One must overcome one's fears.
Er hat die Schwierigkeiten überwunden.
He has overcome the difficulties.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to overcome (sth.) He finally überwand his fear of flying.
Similar Words
Synonyms: bewältigen (to manage), besiegen (to defeat); Antonyms: scheitern (to fail), aufgeben (to give up)
Etymology
Composed of 'über-' (over) and 'winden' (to wind, twist). It suggests getting 'over' a complex, twisted problem.
Memory Tips
Picture yourself getting 'over' a 'winding' obstacle, like a twisted rope or a difficult mountain path.