01
führen
to guide
To lead or accompany someone or something to a particular place.
example
Der Guide wird uns sicher durch die Berge führen.
The guide will guide us safely through the mountains.
führen
to lead
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'führen' (to lead) is the basis for many nouns related to leadership or control. Examples are 'die Führung' (for example, a tour or the management of a company) and 'der Geschäftsführer' (the person who manages a company).
EXAMPLE
Die Führung durch das Schloss dauert eine Stunde.
The guided tour through the castle lasts one hour.
Typical collocations
When physically guiding someone, German often specifies how: 'jemanden an der Hand führen' (to lead someone by the hand), 'ein Pferd am Zügel führen' (to lead a horse by the reins), or 'einen Hund an der Leine führen' (to lead a dog on a leash).
EXAMPLE
Die Mutter führte ihr Kind an der Hand über die Straße.
The mother led her child across the street by the hand.
Typical collocations
In the management meaning, 'führen' (to run/manage) is often combined with organizations or groups. Typical objects are: a company, a team, a department, or a business.
EXAMPLE
Seit fünf Jahren führt sie ihr eigenes kleines Unternehmen.
She has been running her own small company for five years.
Fixed preposition
In the meaning 'als Konsequenz haben' (to have as a consequence), 'führen' (to lead) is always used with the preposition 'zu' (to) and the dative. The structure is: cause + führt zu + result.
EXAMPLE
Der Streit führte zu einem langen Schweigen zwischen den beiden.
The argument led to a long silence between the two of them.
Fixed expression
The phrase 'ein Gespräch führen' (to have/conduct a conversation) is a common and somewhat more formal way to express 'sich unterhalten' (to talk/chat). The noun 'Gespräch' is in the accusative here.
EXAMPLE
Die Politiker führten ein langes Gespräch über die neuen Gesetze.
The politicians had a long conversation about the new laws.
Context: commerce
The meaning 'im Sortiment haben' (to have in stock/carry) is used almost exclusively in the context of shops and commerce. It is a typical question from customers to salespeople.
EXAMPLE
Entschuldigung, führen Sie auch glutenfreies Brot?
Excuse me, do you also carry gluten-free bread?
Reflexive phrase
The phrase 'bei sich führen' means 'dabeihaben' (to have with you). The reflexive pronoun 'sich' must be adapted to the person, for example: 'ich führe bei mir' (I carry with me), 'du führst bei dir' (you carry with you).
EXAMPLE
Ich führe nie viel Bargeld bei mir.
I never carry much cash with me.
Compare with
führen vs tragen
to wear / carry
'führen' and 'tragen' can both mean that you have something with you. The difference is in the perspective. 'tragen' usually describes the physical action: you move something with your hands, on your back, or on your body. 'bei sich führen' (to carry on oneself) sounds more formal and means that you have something with you, often an ID, keys, money, or even a dangerous object. Learners may confuse the words because both are connected in German with 'etwas dabeihaben' (to have something with you). In everyday language, you usually say 'tragen' or 'dabeihaben'; in official situations, 'bei sich führen' fits better.
führen
Bitte führen Sie während der Kontrolle Ihren Ausweis bei sich.
Please carry your ID with you during the inspection.
tragen
Nach dem Einkauf trug Mehmet die schweren Taschen bis nach Hause.
After shopping, Mehmet carried the heavy bags all the way home.
In real life
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