die Beherrschung
self-control
The ability to control one's own feelings, impulses, and reactions and not lose one's composure.
EXAMPLE
Trotz der Provokation bewahrte er die Beherrschung.
Despite the provocation, he kept his self-control.
die Beherrschung
self-control / mastery / control
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Meanings
die Beherrschung
mastery
Complete and confident skill or knowledge in a particular area, for example a language, an instrument, or a technique.
EXAMPLE
Ihre perfekte Beherrschung der deutschen Sprache ist beeindruckend.
Her perfect mastery of the German language is impressive.
die Beherrschung
control
The exercise of power or control over an area, a group of people, or a situation.
EXAMPLE
Die strategische Beherrschung der Meerenge war für das Imperium entscheidend.
Strategic control of the strait was crucial for the empire.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is derived from the verb 'beherrschen' (to master/control), which goes back to 'der Herr' (master, lord). The basic idea is therefore to be 'Herr zu sein' (to be master) over something or over yourself, meaning to have full control.
EXAMPLE
Ein guter Redner beherrscht seine Stimme und seine Nerven.
A good speaker controls his voice and his nerves.
Typical collocations
In connection with self-control, 'Beherrschung' (self-control) is often used in fixed expressions. The most common are 'die Beherrschung verlieren' (to lose control), 'die Beherrschung bewahren' (to keep one's composure), and 'die Beherrschung wiedererlangen' (to regain control).
EXAMPLE
Er war so wütend, dass er die Beherrschung verlor.
He was so angry that he lost control.
Sentence structure with genitive
To express what someone has mastered, the genitive is usually used. Alternatively, the construction with 'von' + dative is also possible, but the genitive often sounds more elegant.
EXAMPLE
Die Beherrschung der deutschen Grammatik ist nicht einfach.
Mastery of German grammar is not easy.
Typical collocations
When it comes to skills, 'Beherrschung' (mastery) is often combined with adjectives like 'perfekt' (perfect) or 'sicher' (confident/solid). Typical objects are 'eine Sprache' (a language), 'ein Instrument' (an instrument), 'eine Technik' (a technique), or 'ein Handwerk' (a craft).
EXAMPLE
Für diesen Job ist die sichere Beherrschung von Excel erforderlich.
Confident mastery of Excel is required for this job.
Context: power and military
In this meaning, 'Beherrschung' (control) is mostly used in a political, strategic, or military context. It is about control over geographic spaces or people.
EXAMPLE
Die militärische Beherrschung der Insel war von großer Bedeutung.
Military control of the island was of great importance.
Compare with
Beherrschung vs Kontrolle
control / check
Kontrolle can generally mean that someone is able to control their feelings. In this area, Beherrschung particularly refers to the ability to remain calm and not lose one’s composure. For personal reactions, Beherrschung is therefore more precise, while Kontrolle describes the state more generally.
Beherrschung
Auch im heftigen Streit bewahrte sie ihre Beherrschung.
Even during the heated argument, she kept her composure.
Kontrolle
Auch im heftigen Streit behielt sie die Kontrolle über ihre Gefühle.
Even during the heated argument, she kept control of her emotions.
In real life
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