German Phrase
Es läuft über.
Meaning
Literally, 'It runs over.' In everyday German it describes a liquid spilling or flowing over the edge of a container, like water overflowing a glass.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to point out that something (usually a liquid) is spilling, overflowing, or moving beyond its limits, e.g., a pot of soup boiling over or rainwater spilling onto the floor.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Esläuftüber
Pronoun "Es"
"Es" is a neutral pronoun used as a dummy subject when the real subject is an impersonal situation or a clause.
Verb "laufen" (present)
"laufen" means 'to run' or 'to flow', and in this context it is used in the sense of something flowing over.
Separable prefix "über-"
In the sentence the prefix "über" is placed at the end because "laufen" is a separable verb (überlaufen).
Separable verb construction
In main clauses, the prefix detaches and moves to the end of the clause, while the verb stays in its conjugated position.
🗨In Conversation
Achtung, das Wasser im Topf kocht zu stark – es läuft über!
Watch out, the water in the pot is boiling too hard – it's overflowing!
Schnell den Herd runterdrehen, sonst wird die Küche nass.
Turn the stove down quickly, otherwise the kitchen will get wet.
✕Common Mistakes
Es laufen über.
Do not use the infinitive "laufen"; the verb must be conjugated to match the dummy subject "Es".
Es über läuft.
The prefix should be placed at the end of the clause, not before the verb.
Es läuft über.
When referring to a specific container, you need the article and noun, e.g., "Es läuft über den Topf".
↔Alternatives
Es überschwappt.
It splashes over.
Es überläuft.
It overflows.
Es läuft über den Rand.
It runs over the edge.
Cultural Tip
In German kitchens, the phrase "Es läuft über" is often heard during family meals when someone forgets to lower the heat. It’s a practical, informal expression; avoid using it in formal written reports about water damage – there you’d prefer "Es überläuft" or "Es fließt über".