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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 superior. The actual translation depends on context; superior frequently is a correct translation from German when über is a prefix in the German text. One example would be the term Übermensch, which translates to superior human or superman. It is assumed that it is via this translation that the word über entered the English vocabulary (cf. calque).
"Uber" (or "über") is an online gaming term for any player who has accumulated the most points or rare and advanced weapons, tools, clothing, or spells available in the online game.
The word "uber" is also used in the computer community. The word is used to describe something as of higher importance than others.
In example: "That was uber sexy!" and "You are uber gay."
The German word Übermensch, depending on context, can very easily have a rather sinister connotation, because the idea of a super human was integral to the Nazi ideology of a " master race". While it appears that the word was originally coined by Friedrich Nietzsche, unrelated to Nazi ideology, both the term and Nietzsche's works were later attempted to be "reinterpreted", or rather grossly misrepresented (some would say intellectually hijacked) by the Nazis, to fit their ideological agenda. It is thus advisable to exercise extreme diligence and caution when using the term Übermensch. It could still have a neutral meaning (eg. in philosophical texts), but it frequently won't (e.g. in heated political debate about genetic engineering, etc.). The reverse also applies: In contemporary Germany, the word superman and indeed the entire idea of any super human may come across as somewhat tainted and/or suspicious. This entire sensitive issue does not however appear to have gotten carried forward to English language use of the word über itself; there doesn't appear to be a Nazi connection.
See also: List of English words of German origin.
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