01
geleiten
to escort
To accompany someone to a specific place out of politeness, for protection, or as a sign of respect.
example
Der Portier geleitete die Gäste zu ihrem Tisch.
The porter escorted the guests to their table.
geleiten
to escort / conduct
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Geleiten' (to escort/conduct) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'ge-' remains firmly attached to the stem 'leiten' in all conjugated forms and sentence positions.
EXAMPLE
Er geleitete die Dame sicher durch die Menge.
He escorted the lady safely through the crowd.
Context clue
The object of the verb reveals the meaning: if the object is a person, 'geleiten' means to accompany or escort. If the object is a physical quantity such as electricity, heat, or water, it means to conduct or transport.
EXAMPLE
Der Gastgeber geleitete seine Besucher zur Tür.
The host escorted his visitors to the door.
Register and style
When accompanying a person, 'geleiten' has a very formal, polite, and sometimes ceremonial or slightly old-fashioned sound. It expresses respect or a desire to protect.
EXAMPLE
Der Bräutigam geleitete seine Braut zum Altar.
The groom escorted his bride to the altar.
Technical context
In the meaning of 'leiten' (to conduct) or 'führen' (to lead/carry), the word is used almost exclusively in technical or scientific contexts. The subject is then often an inanimate object, such as a pipe or a cable.
EXAMPLE
Diese Röhren geleiten heißes Wasser zum Wärmetauscher.
These tubes conduct hot water to the heat exchanger.
Compare with
geleiten vs führen
to lead
'führen' and 'geleiten' can both mean that you bring or accompany someone to a place. 'führen' is the normal, general word. It fits many everyday situations, for example when you show someone the way. 'geleiten' sounds much more formal and ceremonial. It is used more when someone is accompanied out of politeness, for protection, or on a special occasion. Learners might confuse the words because both describe movement with accompaniment. In everyday speech, 'führen' is usually more natural; 'geleiten' fits better in polite, official, or elevated situations.
geleiten
Nach der Feier geleitet der Gastgeber die alten Gäste zur Tür.
After the celebration, the host escorts the elderly guests to the door.
führen
Der Mitarbeiter führt die Besucher zum Besprechungsraum.
The employee leads the visitors to the meeting room.
In real life
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