to govern / rule
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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.
'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 lead
'führen' and 'regieren' can both mean that someone has power or responsibility over a group. However, 'führen' is used much more broadly, for example with a company, a team, or a department. 'regieren' mainly fits politics: a government governs a country or region. In a figurative sense, 'regieren' can also mean that something strongly dominates, for example fear or chaos. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with leadership. As a practical rule: for companies and groups, 'führen' is usually more natural; for states and politics, 'regieren' is more precise.
Nach der Wahl regiert eine neue Partei das Land.
After the election, a new party governs the country.
Frau Becker führt seit drei Jahren ein kleines Hotel am See.
Ms. Becker has been running a small hotel by the lake for three years.