In German

über

Meaning: over, above; about (a topic)

Example sentences

  • DerVogelfliegtüberdenFluss.

    The bird flies over the river.

  • DieLampehängtüberdemTisch.

    The lamp hangs above the table.

  • WirsprechenüberdasWetter.

    We're talking about the weather.

Grammar note

“Über” is two-way for physical position: Akkusativ for movement across or over, Dativ for being positioned above something. It also means “about” a topic, always with Akkusativ: “über das Wetter sprechen”.

Common mistake

Don't use Dativ for the “about a topic” meaning. “Wir sprechen über das Wetter” always takes Akkusativ here, regardless of movement, because it's an idiomatic fixed use.

Quick check

Which preposition means “over/above”, and also “about” a topic?

More words on this topic

unterunder, below; amongaufon (top of a horizontal surface); at (an event)anat, on (a vertical surface or edge); to (with movement)

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Frequently asked questions

How do I say “talk about” in German?

“Sprechen über” plus Akkusativ, like “über das Wetter sprechen”.

What's the difference between “über” and “auf”?

“Über” is above something without touching it; “auf” is on top of it, touching.