lenken
to steer
To determine and control the direction of a vehicle (e.g., car, bicycle) with a steering wheel or handlebars.
EXAMPLE
Er lernte schon mit 16, ein Auto sicher zu lenken.
He learned to steer a car safely when he was just 16.
lenken
to steer / guide
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Meanings
lenken
to direct
To guide or influence something abstract, such as a conversation, attention, or fate, in a particular direction.
EXAMPLE
Die Lehrerin lenkte die Aufmerksamkeit der Schüler auf das neue Thema.
The teacher directed the students' attention to the new topic.
lenken
to lead
To lead an organization, a company, or a country and determine its development and course.
EXAMPLE
Der Kanzler lenkt die Geschicke des Landes.
The chancellor leads the fate of the country.
Usage tips
Context clue: the object
You can recognize the meaning of 'lenken' (to steer/direct) from the object. If it is about a vehicle (car, bicycle), the literal meaning is intended. With abstract nouns (attention, conversation), the verb is used figuratively.
EXAMPLE
Der Fahrer konnte den Bus nicht mehr lenken.
The driver could no longer steer the bus.
Structure with 'auf'
In the figurative meaning, 'lenken' (to direct) is often used with the preposition 'auf' and the accusative. The structure is: [etwas] auf [jemanden/etwas] lenken ([to direct something] toward [someone/something]).
EXAMPLE
Er lenkte den Verdacht geschickt auf seinen Kollegen.
He skillfully directed suspicion toward his colleague.
Leading and guiding
When it is about leading an organization or a country, 'lenken' (to lead/guide) is often combined with words like 'die Geschicke' (the fortunes/fate), 'das Schicksal' (fate), or 'ein Unternehmen' (a company).
EXAMPLE
Die neue Geschäftsführerin soll die Firma aus der Krise lenken.
The new managing director is supposed to steer the company out of the crisis.
Compare with
lenken vs fahren
to drive / ride
Fahren covers the entire process of moving and operating a vehicle. Lenken refers more precisely to determining its direction. Use fahren for the activity of being the driver; when the focus is especially on changing direction with the steering wheel, lenken is more appropriate.
lenken
Paul lenkt das Auto vorsichtig um die enge Kurve.
Paul carefully steers the car around the tight bend.
fahren
Paul fährt das Auto vorsichtig durch die enge Straße.
Paul is driving the car carefully through the narrow street.
In real life
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