overstapte

Overstapte is a Dutch verb form related to overstappen, meaning to transfer or switch from one thing to another. The most common usage is in the context of travel or transportation, where a person moves from one vehicle, line, or route to another during a journey. The term can also be used more broadly to indicate switching to a different provider, method, or plan.

Etymology and usage: The word is built from the prefix over- and the verb stappen (to step). In travel language, overstappen describes the act of making a transfer at a stop or station to continue a trip. In broader contexts, it can refer to changing from one option to another, such as changing a subscription, service, or approach. The noun form overstap denotes the transfer itself, while overstappen is the infinitive verb.

Grammatical notes: In standard Dutch, the simple past tense of overstappen is formed as stapte over (not overstapte). The past participle is overgestapt, used with auxiliary hebben or zijn depending on the construction. The form overstapte is not typically listed as the standard past tense in reference grammars, though some informal or regional usages may appear. Therefore, while you may encounter overstapte in texts, the conventional past tense is stapte over.

Examples: Ik stapte gisteren over op de volgende trein. Hij heeft overgestapt naar een andere internetprovider. We moesten overstappen op een andere route.

See also: overstappen, overstap, transportcommotie, openbaar vervoer.