die Herrschaft
rule
The exercise of power and control over a country, a people, or a territory.
EXAMPLE
Die Herrschaft des Kaisers dauerte über vierzig Jahre.
The emperor's rule lasted more than forty years.
die Herrschaft
rule / control
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Meanings
die Herrschaft über etwas
control over something
Control or command over something, for example a vehicle, one's own feelings, or a situation.
EXAMPLE
Auf der eisigen Straße verlor er die Herrschaft über sein Auto.
On the icy road, he lost control of his car.
die Herrschaften
ladies and gentlemen
An outdated or very formal term for the ladies and gentlemen present, or for the masters of the house as referred to by staff.
EXAMPLE
Meine Damen und Herrschaften, ich begrüße Sie herzlich zu diesem Abend.
Ladies and gentlemen, I warmly welcome you to this evening.
Usage tips
Word family
'Die Herrschaft' (rule) is derived from 'der Herr' (master, lord) and is closely related to the verb 'herrschen' (to rule). All words in this family have to do with power, control, and authority.
EXAMPLE
Der König herrschte mit großer Strenge über sein Volk.
The king ruled over his people with great severity.
Typical collocations
In historical or political contexts, 'Herrschaft' (rule) is often combined with verbs such as 'übernehmen' (to take over), 'antreten' (to assume), or 'sichern' (to secure). It describes the beginning or consolidation of power.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Tod des Diktators endete seine grausame Herrschaft.
After the dictator's death, his cruel rule ended.
Fixed preposition
In the meaning 'Kontrolle' (control), 'Herrschaft' is almost always used with the preposition 'über' (over) and the accusative. Typical verbs here are 'verlieren' (to lose), 'gewinnen' (to gain), or 'behalten' (to keep).
EXAMPLE
Er kämpfte darum, die Herrschaft über seine Gefühle zurückzugewinnen.
He struggled to regain control over his feelings.
Outdated style
The form of address 'meine Herrschaften' (ladies and gentlemen) is now used only rarely in extremely formal or ironic contexts and usually sounds outdated. It is used almost exclusively in the plural.
EXAMPLE
„Meine Herrschaften, darf ich um Ihre Aufmerksamkeit bitten?“, fragte der Butler.
'Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention?' asked the butler.
Compare with
Herrschaft vs Kontrolle
control / check
Having Kontrolle over feelings or a situation means being able to manage and regulate them. Herrschaft over something expresses more comprehensive and stronger control and often sounds more elevated. Kontrolle is therefore usually appropriate for ordinary regulation, while Herrschaft is used for especially complete power or command.
Herrschaft
Nach langem Training gewann sie die vollständige Herrschaft über ihre Gefühle.
After extensive training, she gained complete control over her emotions.
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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