überreicht

Überreicht is a German verb meaning to hand over or to present something to someone, typically in a formal or ceremonial context. It is a transitive verb that takes a direct object and a recipient in the dative: jemandem etwas überreichen (to hand someone something, to present something to someone). The action is often associated with awards, certificates, diplomas, prizes, or official documents.

Conjugation and usage notes: In the present tense, the third-person singular form is überreicht (er/sie/es überreicht). The simple past can be überreichte, and the past participle is überreicht, used with haben: er hat dem Sieger den Preis überreicht. The prefix über- is integral to the meaning of the verb, emphasizing the act of delivering something across to the recipient. While commonly used in formal language, it can appear in official ceremonies or announcements.

Relationship to related verbs: Überreichen overlaps in meaning with überg, übergeben, and aushändigen. Überreichen stresses the ceremonial or official handing over of an item, whereas übergeben is broader (to hand over, to transfer) and aushändigen emphasizes issuing or delivering a document or item, often in formal or administrative contexts.

Etymology: The word is formed from the prefix über- (over/across) and reichen (to hand or to reach), conveying the sense of handing something across to someone.

Examples: Der Präsident überreicht dem Gewinner die Medaille. Die Direktorin überreichte dem Teilnehmer die Urkunde. In formal settings, the phrase is commonly used to describe the act of presenting an award or certificate.