01
die Lenkung
steering
The technical mechanism in a vehicle that is used to determine the direction of travel.
example
Die Lenkung des alten Autos war sehr schwergängig.
The steering of the old car was very stiff.
die Lenkung
steering / guidance
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Meanings
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Usage tips
From verb to noun
'Die Lenkung' (steering/guidance) is derived from the verb 'lenken' (to steer, to guide). The ending '-ung' turns the action into a noun that can describe both the device and the process of steering or guiding.
EXAMPLE
Die Lenkung eines so großen Unternehmens ist eine komplexe Aufgabe.
Guiding such a large company is a complex task.
Context clue
The context makes the meaning clear. If it is about vehicles like 'Auto' (car) or 'Fahrrad' (bicycle), the technical mechanism is meant. If it is about 'Projekte' (projects), 'Besucher' (visitors), or 'die Wirtschaft' (the economy), the abstract sense of steering or management is meant.
EXAMPLE
Die Lenkung des Autos reagiert sehr direkt.
The car's steering responds very directly.
Typical collocations (technical)
In the technical sense, 'Lenkung' is often described with adjectives such as 'defekt' (defective), 'schwergängig' (stiff), or 'präzise' (precise). A typical verb in this context is 'reparieren' (to repair).
EXAMPLE
Die Lenkung ist defekt, das Auto muss in die Werkstatt.
The steering is defective; the car has to go to the repair shop.
Sentence structure and use
In the abstract meaning, the genitive or 'von' + dative is often used to specify what is being guided or steered. For example, 'die Lenkung des Projekts' (the guidance/management of the project) or 'die Lenkung von Investitionen' (the steering of investments).
EXAMPLE
Eine bewusste Lenkung der Aufmerksamkeit ist beim Lernen wichtig.
Consciously directing attention is important when learning.
Register and style
The meaning 'Steuerung' (control/steering) or 'Beeinflussung' (influence) is used mainly in formal, administrative, or economic contexts.
EXAMPLE
Die staatliche Lenkung der Wirtschaft wird kontrovers diskutiert.
State control of the economy is being discussed controversially.
Compare with
Lenkung vs Kontrolle
control / check
'Kontrolle' and 'Lenkung' can both mean that someone directs or influences something. 'Kontrolle' places more emphasis on someone having power over something or keeping it under control. 'Lenkung' sounds more like deliberately guiding something in a certain direction, for example a process, an organization, or a development. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with steering or directing. In practice: when it is about power or mastery, 'Kontrolle' fits better. When it is about deliberate guidance or influence, 'Lenkung' is more precise.
Lenkung
Die Lenkung des Projekts übernimmt ab morgen ein neues Team.
A new team will take over the steering of the project starting tomorrow.
Kontrolle
Nach dem Streit hatte sie die Kontrolle über das Gespräch verloren.
After the argument, she had lost control of the conversation.
In real life
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