überholt sein
To be obsolete
Literally: To be overtaken
Use it to describe ideas or technology that the modern world has left behind.
In 15 Seconds
- Used for ideas or tech that are no longer relevant.
- Literally means 'overtaken' by time or progress.
- Perfect for professional, academic, or casual debates.
Meaning
This phrase describes something that is no longer relevant, useful, or modern. It's like saying a piece of technology or an old rule has been 'overtaken' by time and is now useless.
Key Examples
3 of 6Discussing an old computer
Dieses Betriebssystem ist völlig überholt.
This operating system is completely obsolete.
Talking about outdated social norms
Die Vorstellung, dass nur Männer arbeiten, ist längst überholt.
The idea that only men work is long since obsolete.
In a business meeting
Unsere Marketingstrategie aus dem letzten Jahr ist leider schon überholt.
Our marketing strategy from last year is unfortunately already outdated.
Cultural Background
The phrase originates from German driving culture and the concept of the 'Überholspur' (passing lane). It reflects the high value German society places on innovation and staying at the cutting edge of technology and social thought.
The 'Längst' Combo
Pair it with `längst` (long since) to sound like a native. 'Das ist längst überholt' sounds much more natural than just 'Das ist überholt'.
Not for People
Never use this to describe an elderly person. It sounds like you're saying they are a broken machine. Use `altmodisch` if you mean they have old-fashioned tastes.
In 15 Seconds
- Used for ideas or tech that are no longer relevant.
- Literally means 'overtaken' by time or progress.
- Perfect for professional, academic, or casual debates.
What It Means
Imagine you are driving on the Autobahn. A faster car zooms past you. You have been überholt (overtaken). In a metaphorical sense, this is exactly what happens to ideas, technology, or laws. Time and progress move so fast that the old stuff just can't keep up. When you say something is überholt, you mean it belongs in a museum or a history book, not in your current life. It is not just 'old'; it is officially out of date.
How To Use It
You use this phrase just like an adjective with the verb sein. You can talk about a Theorie (theory), a Modell (model), or even Ansichten (views). It is very flexible. You can say "Das ist überholt" to shut down an old-fashioned argument. It sounds more sophisticated than just saying something is 'alt'. It implies that the world has moved on and left that thing behind. Use it when you want to sound smart and decisive.
When To Use It
Use it in the office when someone suggests a strategy from 1995. It is perfect for discussing technology, like that flip phone your uncle still uses. You can also use it for social norms that feel dusty and restrictive. If you are debating politics or science, this is your go-to word. It works great when you are texting a friend about a movie that hasn't aged well. It adds a bit of intellectual weight to your critique.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for people! If you call your grandma überholt, she might not give you any more cake. It is for things, ideas, and systems, not humans. Also, don't use it for things that are 'vintage' in a cool way. A classic vinyl record isn't überholt because it still has value. Use it only for things that have lost their purpose because something better replaced them. Avoid it for food; bread isn't überholt, it's just altbacken or schimmelig.
Cultural Background
Germans love efficiency and progress. The word comes from the world of traffic and racing. In a culture that prides itself on 'Vorsprung durch Technik' (progress through technology), being 'overtaken' is the ultimate sign of failure. It reflects a mindset that values staying current and updated. It became very popular during the industrial and digital revolutions. It shows how much we value moving forward rather than clinging to the past.
Common Variations
You might hear völlig überholt (completely obsolete) or längst überholt (long since obsolete). If you want to be more formal, you can use veraltet. If you are talking about software, you might say outdated. But überholt remains the strongest way to say something has lost the race against time. It’s punchy, clear, and very German.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and safe for both work and home. Just remember it applies to abstract things and objects, not people.
The 'Längst' Combo
Pair it with `längst` (long since) to sound like a native. 'Das ist längst überholt' sounds much more natural than just 'Das ist überholt'.
Not for People
Never use this to describe an elderly person. It sounds like you're saying they are a broken machine. Use `altmodisch` if you mean they have old-fashioned tastes.
The Racing Connection
Germans love cars. Using a racing metaphor (`überholt`) for intellectual progress shows how deeply car culture is embedded in the language.
Examples
6Dieses Betriebssystem ist völlig überholt.
This operating system is completely obsolete.
Commonly used for technology that no longer receives updates.
Die Vorstellung, dass nur Männer arbeiten, ist längst überholt.
The idea that only men work is long since obsolete.
Great for discussing social progress.
Unsere Marketingstrategie aus dem letzten Jahr ist leider schon überholt.
Our marketing strategy from last year is unfortunately already outdated.
Shows that you are aware of market changes.
Die Witze in dem Film sind echt überholt.
The jokes in that movie are really dated.
Casual way to criticize humor that didn't age well.
Mein Wissen über Popkultur ist seit 2010 überholt.
My knowledge of pop culture has been obsolete since 2010.
Self-deprecating humor about getting older.
Diese Gesetze sind einfach überholt und behindern uns.
These laws are simply obsolete and are hindering us.
Used to express emotional frustration with slow systems.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to say the technology is outdated.
Faxgeräte sind in der heutigen Zeit fast völlig ___.
`Überholt` means obsolete, whereas `überfahren` means run over and `überlegt` means considered.
Complete the sentence about an old theory.
Deine Theorie ist leider durch neue Beweise ___.
When new evidence proves an old theory wrong, the theory becomes `überholt`.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'überholt sein'
Used with friends about movies or tech.
Echt überholt!
Standard usage in most conversations.
Die Methode ist überholt.
Used in academic papers or news.
Diese Ansicht gilt als überholt.
Where to use 'überholt sein'
Technology
Old software versions
Social Views
Traditional gender roles
Science
Disproven theories
Business
Old sales tactics
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt literally means 'to be overtaken.' Think of a car passing another car on the highway.
Yes, if a trend is so old it feels out of place, you can say Dieser Modetrend ist überholt.
Not necessarily, but it is very direct. It’s better to say Die Daten sind überholt rather than Ihre Idee ist überholt.
Alt just means old. Überholt means it has been replaced by something better or more current.
No, for food use abgelaufen (expired) or alt (old). Überholt is for concepts and tech.
Not directly, but you can talk about Überholtheit, though it is very rare and sounds very academic.
Use the intensifier völlig. For example: Das ist völlig überholt.
Almost never. It usually implies that something needs to be updated or discarded.
Yes, if the information inside is no longer true, like an old science textbook: Das Buch ist fachlich überholt.
The opposite would be aktuell (current) or auf dem neuesten Stand (state-of-the-art).
Related Phrases
veraltet (outdated)
aus der Mode gekommen (gone out of style)
nicht mehr zeitgemäß (no longer contemporary)
passé (past its prime/over)
altbacken (stale/old-fashioned)
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