to conduct / direct
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to conduct
To lead an orchestra, choir, or other music group by giving signals with the hands or a baton.
Sie träumt davon, eines Tages die Berliner Philharmoniker zu dirigieren.
She dreams of one day conducting the Berlin Philharmonic.
The verb 'dirigieren' (to conduct/direct) is related to the noun 'der Dirigent' / 'die Dirigentin' (the conductor). Both words describe the activity of leading a group, usually in a musical context.
Der berühmte Dirigent wird heute Abend das Orchester dirigieren.
The famous conductor will conduct the orchestra this evening.
You can easily recognize the meaning of 'dirigieren' from the object: if it refers to an orchestra, a choir, or a piece of music, it means musical conducting. If it refers to traffic, people, or gazes, it means 'lenken' (to guide/direct) or 'steuern' (to steer/control).
Er dirigierte das Stück mit großer Leidenschaft.
He conducted the piece with great passion.
In a musical context, 'dirigieren' (to conduct) is typically combined with 'ein Orchester' (an orchestra), 'einen Chor' (a choir), 'ein Konzert' (a concert), or the name of a composer or work.
Letztes Jahr durfte er zum ersten Mal eine Oper dirigieren.
Last year, he was allowed to conduct an opera for the first time.
In the meaning of 'lenken' (to direct/guide), the structure 'jemanden/etwas + wohin/auf etwas dirigieren' (to direct someone/something somewhere/onto something) is often used. The preposition indicates the direction or destination.
Der Manager dirigierte die Aufmerksamkeit der Mitarbeiter auf die neuen Quartalszahlen.
The manager directed the employees' attention to the new quarterly figures.
to follow
'folgen' and 'dirigieren' are opposites here. Someone who follows acts according to an instruction, a piece of advice, or guidance. Someone who 'dirigiert' directs others or sets the direction. So 'folgen' fits the person who allows themselves to be led. 'dirigieren' fits the person who leads or steers. The difference is especially clear in groups: one person says or shows what should happen, and the others follow.
Der Ordner dirigiert die Besucher zum richtigen Eingang.
The usher directs the visitors to the correct entrance.
Die Kinder folgen den Anweisungen der Lehrerin.
The children follow the teacher's instructions.