01
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
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 03
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' and 'lenken' can both mean that someone controls a vehicle. But 'fahren' is more general: you travel by vehicle or operate it yourself. 'lenken' means more specifically that you determine the direction, for example with a steering wheel or handlebars. Learners may confuse the words because when you drive a car, you also steer. It is natural to say: 'Ich fahre Auto.' (I drive a car.) When the focus is especially on the direction or steering into a curve, 'lenken' fits better.
lenken
In der engen Straße musste Max das Auto sehr vorsichtig lenken.
On the narrow street, Max had to steer the car very carefully.
fahren
Seit dem Sommer fährt Lena jeden Tag mit dem Fahrrad zur Arbeit.
Since the summer, Lena has been riding her bike to work every day.
In real life
Loading video examples...