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überrumpeln

to take by surprise, to catch off guard verbally

verb ue-ber-ROOM-peln Rare
Communication Speech

Usage Note

überrumpeln originally meant to attack by surprise. In speech it means to catch someone off guard with an unexpected question or request, leaving them no time to prepare. 'Er hat mich mit der Frage überrumpelt' (He caught me off guard with the question).

Examples

"Die Journalistin überrumpelte den Politiker mit einer unerwarteten Frage am Ende der Pressekonferenz."

Natural Translation

The journalist caught the politician off guard with an unexpected question at the end of the press conference.

Literal Translation

The journalist caught-off-guard the politician with an unexpected question at-the end of-the press-conference.

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