überdauern

Überdauern is a German verb meaning to endure beyond a reference point, to outlast or outlive something. It denotes that something persists longer than another event, period, or condition, often in historical, cultural, or technical contexts.

Etymology and form: The word is formed from the prefix über- (over, beyond) and dauern (to last). The prefix conveys the idea of exceeding a given duration. It is primarily used in formal or literary language rather than in casual speech.

Usage: Überdauern describes the longevity of objects, institutions, ideas, or memories. It typically takes a direct object referring to what lasts, as in der Stein überdauerte den Sturm or die Tradition überdauerte mehrere Jahrhunderte. In ordinary discourse one may also say das Gebäude hat den Krieg überdauert. In the perfect tense it is danied with hat überdauert. The sense remains neutral and factual, emphasizing duration rather than effort.

Relation to other terms: Überdauern is related to, but distinct from, überleben (to survive in a broad sense) and überstehen (to withstand or endure a trial). It is also contrasted with bestehen (to endure or exist, often in a more general or abrupt sense).

See also: duration, longevity, endurance.