regeln
to handle
To solve a problem, organize a matter, or take care of a task.
EXAMPLE
Keine Sorge wegen der Tickets, das regele ich.
Don't worry about the tickets; I'll handle it.
regeln
to handle / regulate
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Meanings
regeln
to regulate
To set, control, or adjust something so that it is in a desired state or functions properly.
EXAMPLE
Mit diesem Thermostat können Sie die Temperatur im Raum regeln.
You can regulate the temperature in the room with this thermostat.
regeln
to regulate
To establish through laws, regulations, or agreements how something is to be handled or how people should behave.
EXAMPLE
Das neue Gesetz regelt die Nutzung von Elektrollern im Straßenverkehr.
The new law regulates the use of electric scooters in road traffic.
sich regeln
to sort itself out
To clear up or work itself out on its own, without anyone having to actively intervene.
EXAMPLE
Warte einfach ab, das Problem wird sich schon von selbst regeln.
Just wait and see; the problem will sort itself out on its own.
Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'regeln' is derived directly from the noun 'die Regel' (the rule). So it literally means to bring something into a state of order or in line with a rule.
EXAMPLE
Eine Ampel regelt den Verkehr an der Kreuzung.
A traffic light regulates the traffic at the intersection.
Reflexive use
The reflexive form 'sich regeln' means that a problem or situation solves itself without anyone having to intervene. It is often used together with 'von selbst' (by itself/on its own).
EXAMPLE
Mach dir keine Sorgen, das wird sich schon von selbst regeln.
Don't worry, it will sort itself out on its own.
Context: colloquial language
In the meaning 'organisieren' (to organize) or 'erledigen' (to take care of), 'regeln' is very common in spoken language. The sentence 'Ich regel das.' is a common way to say that you will take care of something.
EXAMPLE
Wer holt die Getränke für die Party? – Keine Sorge, ich regel das.
Who's getting the drinks for the party? — Don't worry, I'll handle it.
Context: technology
When technical devices are involved, 'regeln' always means 'einstellen' (to set) or 'anpassen' (to adjust). Typical objects are 'Temperatur' (temperature), 'Lautstärke' (volume), or 'Geschwindigkeit' (speed).
EXAMPLE
Kannst du bitte die Heizung etwas höher regeln? Mir ist kalt.
Could you please turn up the heating a little? I'm cold.
Context: laws and regulations
In formal or legal texts, 'regeln' means that something is bindingly established by a law or regulation. The subject here is often the law itself.
EXAMPLE
Die Straßenverkehrsordnung regelt die Vorfahrt an dieser Kreuzung.
The traffic regulations govern right of way at this intersection.
Compare with
regeln vs lösen
to solve / loosen
Lösen and regeln can both mean bringing a difficult matter to an end. Lösen focuses more strongly on finding a solution to the problem, while regeln often refers to practical organization or taking care of the matter. Use lösen for the process of finding a solution and regeln when agreements or concrete steps are the focus.
regeln
Wir regelten die Angelegenheit mit dem Vermieter durch eine klare Absprache.
We sorted out the matter with the landlord by reaching a clear agreement.
lösen
Wir lösten das Problem mit einer neuen Idee, die sofort funktionierte.
We solved the problem with a new idea that worked immediately.
In real life
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