überleiten

Überleiten is a German verb meaning to transfer, forward, or relay something from one source to another, often across a boundary, channel, or jurisdiction. It is used in technical, administrative, and organizational contexts to describe passing information, tasks, data, or signals on to another recipient or system. The term is related to leiten (to lead) with the prefix über- (over, across).

Etymology and range of meanings: Überleiten is formed from über- and leiten, indicating the crossing of an interface or boundary. In practice it is used in information technology, network operations, logistics, and project management to describe transferring or routing something to a different system, person, or location. In some contexts it is close in meaning to weiterleiten, but überleiten can emphasize crossing a boundary or migrating to another context.

Examples of use: Die Nachricht wird an den Empfänger übergeleitet. Im Rechenzentrum wird der Datenstrom vom Router zum Ziel übergeleitet. Die Anfrage wurde an die zuständige Abteilung übergeleitet. In everyday language, weiterleiten is more common for “forwarding,” while überleiten often signals crossing an interface or boundary.

Noun form: Überleitung, a related noun meaning a transition, bridging, or lead-in. In mathematics, linguistics, rhetoric, and medicine, Überleitung can refer to a connection or transition between concepts, sections of text, or physiological processes such as nerve impulse conduction.

See also: Weiterleitung, Übertragung, Überleitung.