überwand

überwand is the simple past tense form of the German verb überwinden, which means to overcome, surmount, or conquer a difficulty, obstacle, or sensation. The verb is formed with the prefix über- attached to überwinden and is commonly used in written narration as well as in formal contexts. The present tense forms are: ich überwinde, du überwindest, er/sie/es überwindet, wir überwinden, ihr überwindet, sie überwinden. The simple past forms are: ich überwand, du überwandst, er überwand, wir überwanden, ihr überwandet, sie überwanden. The past participle is überwunden and is used with haben to form the present perfect: ich habe überwunden, du hast überwunden, er hat überwunden, etc.

Usage and nuance: überwand is typically used to describe a completed act of overcoming in the past. It can refer to overcoming physical obstacles, emotional or mental barriers, or figurative obstacles such as doubts or difficulties. The word is common in narrative prose, biographies, journalism, and higher-register speech.

Examples:

- Sie überwand ihre Angst und trat vor die Gruppe.

- Nach vielen Wochen überwand er schließlich die Krankheit.

Related forms and terminology: the noun form Überwindung refers to the act of overcoming; related verbs include bezwingen and übersteigen, which carry similar meanings in specific contexts. In everyday speech, speakers often use the perfect tense hat überwunden rather than the simple past in colloquial contexts, but überwand remains standard in written narration.