to govern / rule
Loading your saved state.
to govern
To exercise political power in a state, country, or region and conduct the affairs of government.
Die neue Koalition wird das Land für die nächsten vier Jahre regieren.
The new coalition will govern the country for the next four years.
to rule
In a figurative sense: to control or dominate a situation, place, or person.
In den Krisengesprächen regierte vor allem das Misstrauen.
In the crisis talks, mistrust ruled above all.
'Regieren' (to govern) belongs to a word family connected with control and order. Related words are 'die Regierung' (the government, the group that governs) and 'die Regel' (a rule).
Die neue Regierung verspricht, das Land mit Weitsicht zu regieren.
The new government promises to govern the country with foresight.
In the political meaning, 'regieren' (to govern) can take an accusative object that indicates what is being governed. It can also be used without an object to express that a party is in power.
Der Kanzler regiert das Land.
The chancellor governs the country.
When 'regieren' (to rule) is used figuratively, the subject is often an abstract noun such as 'Angst' (fear), 'Chaos' (chaos), or 'Zufall' (chance). This tells you that no political government is meant.
Nach dem Stromausfall regierte in der ganzen Stadt das Chaos.
After the power outage, chaos ruled throughout the whole city.
to rule / prevail
Both herrschen and regieren can refer to political power over a country or people. Regieren focuses more on actually leading the state and conducting the business of government, while herrschen refers to the overarching power of a ruler. Use regieren for political office and governing, and herrschen for the authority being exercised.
Die neue Regierung regierte das Land nach einem klaren Programm.
The new government governed the country according to a clear program.
Der König herrschte viele Jahre mit großer Autorität über das Land.
The king ruled the country with great authority for many years.
