Übertreibende

Übertreibende is a German term derived from the verb übertreiben (to exaggerate). The form functions as a present participle and, in some contexts, as a nominalized adjective or noun. As an attributive adjective, übertreibende describes something characterized by exaggeration, for example eine übertreibende Darstellung or eine übertreibende Behauptung. As a noun, der Übertreibende can refer to a person who exaggerates, i.e., an exaggerator, although the related noun Übertreibung (exaggeration) is more commonly used in everyday language.

Grammar and usage notes: The participle übertreibende declines like a normal adjective (e.g., übertreibende Darstellung, übertreibender Tonfall, übertreibende Aussagen) and agrees with gender, number, and case of the noun it modifies. The nominalized form der Übertreibende, while valid, is less frequent than using einen Übertreibenden or the noun Übertreibung to convey the idea of exaggeration as a trait or act. In rhetorical contexts, übertreibende language is often discussed in relation to figures of speech such as Hyperbel (hyperbole) and Übertreibung, which denote deliberate exaggeration for emphasis.

Examples and nuance: The term frequently appears in journalism, critiques, or literary analysis to describe language or rhetoric that amplifies a claim beyond its factual basis, for instance eine übertreibende Darstellung der Situation or eine übertreibende Redewendung. Distinguishing between ordinary exaggeration and stylistic devices like hyperbole helps clarify tone and intent.

See also: Übertreibung, Hyperbel, Rhetorik.