Über

The word über comes from the German language. It is a cognate of both Latin super and Greek ύπερ (hyper), as well as English over (as in "overkill"). During the late 1990's, über also became a synonym for super; i.e. übercool - supercool - generally with a slightly intensified meaning. Über is commonly misspelled as uber in English, although the correct substitute for the 'ü'-Umlaut would be ue, not just 'u'.

Uses in German

In German, über is used as a prefix as well as a separate word. In the latter case, it may be a preposition or an adverb depending on context. Eg. sprechen über - speak about, über die Brücke - over the bridge, übernehmen - take over (nehmen = take).

Über also translates to over, above and superior. The actual translation depends on context. One example would be the term Übermensch from Friedrich Nietzsche, which translates to superior human or superman (literally "overman"). It is assumed that it is via this translation that the word über entered the English vocabulary (cf. calque).

The hip combinations of über with a person designation, like überboss, überprogrammer or überdriver have a severe negative Nazi-connotation for Germans. They are considered Nazi insults (when others are labeled that way), or the expression of someones own Nazi ideology (when someone labels himself as an übersomething). Similar issues have combinations like überplan, überproject, übertool'. etc.

Non-German Uses

Online Gaming

"Uber" (also "über" or "00ber") is an online gaming term for a player or object that is considered superior. For example, a player who has accumulated the most points or rare and advanced weapons, tools, clothing, or spells available in the online game could be referred to as uber. Rare or powerful items themselves are also frequently called uber. Something does not even have to be a real object to be considered uber, for example a player could use an "uber strategy". The word became mainstream and popularized due to the constant usage in EverQuest, a MMORPG. See also leet.

Slang

"Uber" easily replaces "super" to spice up boring adjectives. Try "uber" in front any adjective. Instead of "superduper" try "uberduper." Other uses: "uberbaby," "ubercool," "uberstupid," "ubergay."

Fanfiction genre

"Uber" is commonly used to refer to a genre of fanfiction relating to the television show Xena : Warrior Princess. In uber stories, the characters are transplanted from the original setting of the series into another period of time, most commonly the present.