verb
to consider, to ponder, to be superior to
B1
Primary meanings: 'to consider' or 'to ponder', and 'to be superior to' (less common). Regular weak verb with perfect participle überlegt and auxiliary haben. Often used reflexively: sich etwas überlegen = to think something over/decide. Non‑reflexive use can mean 'to be superior' or to consider someone/something.
Examples
Der Manager überlegte lange, bevor er den Vertrag unterschrieb, weil die Konditionen wichtig waren.
The manager thought for a long time before he signed the contract because the terms were important.
Sie überlegte lange.
She thought for a long time.
Ich überlege, was ich kochen soll.
I'm thinking about what I should cook.
Details
Mnemonics
Picture someone placing cards on a table and turning them over to look at them carefully (thinking through options).
Sounds like 'over-legen' — imagine laying ideas 'over' in your mind (considering).
Notes
Commonly used reflexively (sich etwas überlegen = to think something over). Non-reflexive uses are rarer and can mean 'to be superior' or 'to consider (transitive)' in specific contexts.