power
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power
The ability or authority to influence, control, or make decisions about other people, groups, or events.
Der Vorstand hat die Macht, über die Zukunft des Unternehmens zu entscheiden.
The board has the power to decide the future of the company.
The noun 'Macht' (power) is closely related to the verb 'machen' (to make/do). It describes the ability to cause things to happen or to 'machen' (make/do) things and exert influence.
Ein Diktator kann machen, was er will, denn er hat die absolute Macht.
A dictator can do whatever he wants because he has absolute power.
The prepositions 'an die' and 'an der' have different meanings. 'An die Macht kommen' (accusative; to come to power) describes the process of taking power, while 'an der Macht sein' (dative; to be in power) describes the state of possessing power.
Die Oppositionspartei hofft, bei der nächsten Wahl an die Macht zu kommen.
The opposition party hopes to come to power in the next election.
In connection with influence and control, 'Macht' (power) is often combined with certain verbs. Common phrases are 'Macht ausüben' (to exercise power), 'Macht missbrauchen' (to abuse power), 'die Macht ergreifen' (to seize power), or 'die Macht verlieren' (to lose power).
Manche Politiker missbrauchen ihre Macht für persönliche Vorteile.
Some politicians abuse their power for personal advantage.
'Macht' (power) is often the second part of a compound word used to describe an influential nation or organization. Typical examples are 'Weltmacht' (world power), 'Wirtschaftsmacht' (economic power), 'Atommacht' (nuclear power), or 'Seemacht' (naval power).
China hat sich zu einer globalen Wirtschaftsmacht entwickelt.
China has developed into a global economic power.
In the plural ('die Mächte', the powers), the word often refers to abstract, supernatural, or fateful forces. Typical combinations are 'höhere Mächte' (higher powers) or 'finstere Mächte' (dark powers).
Er glaubte, dass höhere Mächte sein Schicksal lenken.
He believed that higher powers guided his fate.
The idiom 'in jemandes Macht stehen' (to be in someone's power) is rather formal. The structure is: 'Es steht in [possessive pronoun] Macht, etwas zu tun' (It is in [possessive pronoun] power to do something).
Es steht nicht in meiner Macht, die Regeln für Sie zu ändern.
It is not in my power to change the rules for you.
hand
'etwas in der Hand haben' (to have something in hand) and 'die Macht' both have to do with control or influence. 'Etwas in der Hand haben' is a figurative expression and means that someone can steer or decide a situation. 'die Macht' is the more general word for influence, control, or authority. It fits especially when the topic is politics, work, rules, or a clear position. 'In der Hand haben' often sounds more personal and concrete: a specific person can now do or decide something.
Die Behörde hat die Macht, den Antrag abzulehnen.
The authority has the power to reject the application.
Morgen hat der Arzt den nächsten Schritt in der Hand.
Tomorrow, the doctor will have the next step in his hands.