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
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
geleiten
to conduct
To carry or direct something, such as electricity, heat, or water, in a particular direction.
EXAMPLE
Die Rohre geleiten das Abwasser in die Kläranlage.
The pipes conduct the wastewater to the treatment plant.
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 bringen
to bring
Bringen and geleiten can both refer to accompanying someone to a destination. Bringen neutrally emphasizes reaching the destination. Geleiten highlights the polite, protective, or respectful nature of the escort and is therefore especially suitable for formal occasions.
geleiten
Bei der offiziellen Feier geleitet die Mitarbeiterin den Ehrengast zum Ausgang.
At the official ceremony, the employee escorts the guest of honor to the exit.
bringen
Die Mitarbeiterin bringt den Gast zum Ausgang.
The employee brings the guest to the exit.
In real life
Loading video examples...