German Phrase
Ich bin überfordert.
Meaning
Literally, 'I am overburdened.' In everyday speech it means 'I feel overwhelmed' or 'I can't cope with the amount of work or stress right now.' It conveys a sense of mental or emotional overload rather than a physical condition.
When to use
Use this sentence when you are swamped with tasks, deadlines, or emotional pressure and want to tell a friend, colleague, or teacher that you need a break or assistance. It is appropriate in informal conversation and can also be used in a professional context, though a more formal alternative may be preferred in business emails.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Ichbinüberfordert
Pronoun Ich
Personal pronoun for the first person singular, always capitalized in German.
Verb sein (bin)
Present tense of the verb 'sein' (to be). Used here as a linking verb for a predicative adjective.
Überfordert (predicative adjective)
Past participle of 'überfordern' used as an adjective. When used predicatively it follows 'sein' and does not need an article.
Prefix über-
Adds the meaning of 'over' or 'excessively' to the base verb, turning 'fordern' (to demand) into 'überfordern' (to overburden).
🗨In Conversation
Ich bin überfordert.
I’m overwhelmed.
Möchtest du, dass ich dir bei den Aufgaben helfe?
Would you like me to help you with the tasks?
✕Common Mistakes
Ich bin zu überfordert.
The adjective 'überfordert' already contains the meaning of 'too much', so adding 'zu' is redundant and ungrammatical.
Ich habe überfordert.
Use the verb 'sein' as a linking verb, not 'haben', when the past participle functions as an adjective.
Er ist ein Überfordert.
'Überfordert' is an adjective, not a noun; you cannot use an indefinite article before it.
↔Alternatives
Ich fühle mich überfordert.
I feel overwhelmed.
Mir ist alles zu viel.
Everything is too much for me.
Ich komme nicht mehr klar.
I can’t cope any longer.
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking cultures it is perfectly acceptable to admit feeling overburdened, especially among friends and family. In a workplace, however, you might soften the statement with a more neutral phrasing such as 'Ich bin momentan stark ausgelastet' (I am currently heavily loaded) or 'Ich habe im Moment zu viel zu tun' (I have too much to do right now). Also note that 'überfordert' is rarely used as a noun; avoid saying '*ein Überfordert*'.