überfallen

to rob; to hold up; to assault suddenly

verb ue-ber-FA-len Rare

Also means

to invade; to come over unexpectedly

Usage Note

überfallen (inseparable strong verb) denotes a sudden violent or criminal attack: eine Bank überfallen (to rob a bank), jemanden auf der Straße überfallen (to mug someone). The noun Überfall covers bank robbery, mugging, and surprise military attack.

Examples

"Zwei Männer überfielen die Tankstelle und flohen mit Bargeld."

Natural Translation

Two men robbed the petrol station and fled with cash.

Literal Translation

Two men robbed the filling-station and fled with cash.

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