übertrieben

Übertrieben is a German adjective and past participle derived from the verb übertreiben. It means exaggerated, overdone, or excessive. In English, common translations are "exaggerated" or "overblown." It can describe claims, descriptions, performances, or appearances.

Grammatically, übertrieben functions as an ordinary adjective or as a past participle in compound verbal forms. As an attributive descriptor it takes normal adjective endings: for example, eine übertriebene Darstellung (feminine singular, indefinite article) or der übertriebene Eindruck (masculine singular, definite article). Predicative use is also common: Die Berichte sind übertrieben or Der Bericht ist übertrieben. As the past participle, übertrieben appears in perfect tense constructions with haben: er hat die Behauptung übertrieben (he exaggerated the claim).

Usage notes show that übertrieben frequently describes claims, descriptions, or reactions that go beyond what is reasonable or accurate. Typical phrases include eine übertriebene Reaktion, übertriebene Erwartungen, or eine übertriebene Darstellung der Ereignisse. The term often carries a negative or critical nuance, though in some contexts it may be a neutral or descriptive label.

Noun form and related terms: The corresponding noun is die Übertreibung, meaning "exaggeration" or "overstatement." A closely related adjective is überzogen, which can convey similar meaning with nuances such as “over the top” or “overdrawn.” In rhetoric, the related concept is Hyperbel, the figure of speech that uses deliberate exaggeration.

In summary, übertrieben denotes something beyond a fair or accurate degree, commonly used to critique or characterize excessive depiction, claims, or behavior.