01
die Kontrolle
check / inspection
The act of checking whether something is correct, safe, or in order.
example
Bei der Ticketkontrolle musste ich meinen Ausweis zeigen.
During the ticket check, I had to show my ID.
die Kontrolle
control / check
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Meanings
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Usage tips
False friend
'Die Kontrolle' very often means 'check' or 'inspection', not only 'power' or 'steering' like the English word 'control'. This difference is a common source of mistakes.
EXAMPLE
Die Polizei führte eine allgemeine Verkehrskontrolle durch.
The police carried out a general traffic check.
Word family
'Die Kontrolle' (control/check) is the noun corresponding to the verb 'kontrollieren' (to check/control). If you know the verb, you can often derive the meaning of the noun.
EXAMPLE
Der Lehrer kontrolliert die Hausaufgaben.
The teacher checks the homework.
Typical collocations
In the sense of 'Überprüfung' (check/inspection), 'Kontrolle' is often used in compound words like 'Passkontrolle' (passport control), 'Fahrkartenkontrolle' (ticket inspection), or 'Qualitätskontrolle' (quality control). A typical phrase is 'eine Kontrolle durchführen' (to carry out a check).
EXAMPLE
Bei der Qualitätskontrolle wurde ein Fehler entdeckt.
During quality control, an error was discovered.
Fixed expressions
When it is about control or mastery, there are fixed expressions like 'die Kontrolle verlieren' (to lose control), 'die Kontrolle behalten' (to maintain control), or 'etwas unter Kontrolle bringen' (to bring something under control).
EXAMPLE
Als die Bremsen versagten, verlor der Fahrer die Kontrolle über den Wagen.
When the brakes failed, the driver lost control of the car.
Use with prepositions
When 'Kontrolle' refers to a place, local prepositions are often used. You wait 'an der Kontrolle' (at the control/checkpoint) or go 'durch die Kontrolle' (through control/security).
EXAMPLE
Wir mussten an der Grenzkontrolle lange warten.
We had to wait a long time at the border checkpoint.
Compare with
Kontrolle vs Hand
hand
'etwas in der Hand haben' (to have something in hand / under control) and 'die Kontrolle' can both express that someone can steer or manage a situation. 'die Kontrolle' is a normal noun and fits in many situations, for example at work, in technology, in traffic, or with feelings. 'etwas in der Hand haben' is a fixed expression and sounds a bit more figurative. It means that someone has power or influence over something. The difference is mainly the form: with 'Kontrolle' you name the power directly; with 'in der Hand haben' you describe it as an action or state.
Kontrolle
Bei starkem Regen verlor der Fahrer kurz die Kontrolle über das Auto.
In heavy rain, the driver briefly lost control of the car.
Hand
Nach der Besprechung hat die Projektleiterin die Planung wieder in der Hand.
After the meeting, the project manager has the planning back under control.
In real life
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