01
das Kommando
command
A short, clear order that must be carried out immediately, especially in a military or police context.
example
Die Soldaten warteten auf das Kommando zum Angriff.
The soldiers waited for the command to attack.
das Kommando
command / commando
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Typical verbs (order)
In the meaning of 'Befehl' (order/command), 'Kommando' is often combined with verbs such as 'geben' (to give), 'erteilen' (to issue), 'erhalten' (to receive), 'ausführen' (to carry out), or 'befolgen' (to obey).
EXAMPLE
Der Hund wartet auf das Kommando seines Besitzers.
The dog waits for its owner's command.
Typical verbs (leadership)
When 'Kommando' means leadership or authority to give orders, typical verbs are 'haben' (to have), 'übernehmen' (to take over), 'führen' (to lead), or 'abgeben' (to hand over/give up).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Rücktritt des Kapitäns übernahm der erste Offizier das Kommando.
After the captain's resignation, the first officer took command.
Sentence structure with 'über'
To express what someone has command over, the preposition 'über' (over) is used with the accusative. The structure is: 'das Kommando über jemanden/etwas haben' (to have command over someone/something).
EXAMPLE
Der Kapitän hat das Kommando über das gesamte Schiff.
The captain has command over the entire ship.
Context clue (unit)
When 'Kommando' is used as a countable unit that can act, it means a special unit. A well-known example is the police 'Sondereinsatzkommando' (special operations commando, SEK).
EXAMPLE
Ein Kommando der Küstenwache enterte das verdächtige Schiff.
A coast guard commando unit boarded the suspicious ship.
Computer context
In the field of computer science, 'Kommando' is the usual term for a command that you enter into a computer. Typical verbs here are 'eingeben' (to enter) or 'ausführen' (to execute).
EXAMPLE
Um die Datei zu löschen, musst du das richtige Kommando eingeben.
To delete the file, you have to enter the correct command.
Compare with
Kommando vs Führung
leadership / tour / lead
'die Führung' and 'das Kommando' can both mean that someone leads a group. 'die Führung' is more general and fits companies, teams, or organizations. It can refer to leadership in a neutral, long-term sense. 'das Kommando' sounds more like authority to give orders, especially in the military or in clear hierarchies. Learners may confuse the words because both express control over people. In practice: for normal leadership, you usually say 'Führung'; for strict orders or military situations, 'Kommando' is more appropriate.
Kommando
In der Übung hatte ein erfahrener Offizier das Kommando über die Gruppe.
During the exercise, an experienced officer had command over the group.
Führung
Nach dem Wechsel im Vorstand bleibt die Führung des Teams ruhig und klar.
After the change on the board, the leadership of the team remains calm and clear.
In real life
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