das Ruder
rudder
A device at the stern of a ship or boat used to steer its direction.
EXAMPLE
Der Kapitän legte das Ruder hart nach links, um der Kollision zu entgehen.
The captain put the rudder hard to port to avoid the collision.
das Ruder
rudder / oar
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Meanings
das Ruder übernehmen
to take the helm
To take over leadership, control, or responsibility for something.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Rücktritt des Direktors musste seine Stellvertreterin sofort das Ruder übernehmen.
After the director's resignation, his deputy had to take the helm immediately.
das Ruder
oar
A pole with a flat blade at the end, used to propel a rowing boat.
EXAMPLE
Beim Rudern ist mir plötzlich das Ruder aus der Hand gerutscht.
While rowing, the oar suddenly slipped out of my hand.
aus dem Ruder laufen
to get out of hand
To get out of control; to develop in an uncontrolled and negative way.
EXAMPLE
Die Diskussion wurde immer hitziger und drohte, völlig aus dem Ruder zu laufen.
The discussion became more and more heated and threatened to get completely out of hand.
Usage tips
Context clue
The word 'Ruder' (rudder/oar) has two different technical meanings. In the context of ships and steering, it refers to the steering device at the stern. In the context of rowing boats, it refers to the pole used for propulsion, often used in the plural 'die Ruder' (the oars).
EXAMPLE
Das große Containerschiff hat ein riesiges Ruder.
The large container ship has a huge rudder.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'das Ruder übernehmen' (to take the helm) means to take control or leadership. The image is that of a captain taking hold of the ship's rudder. You can also 'das Ruder in der Hand haben' (have the helm in your hands / be in control) or 'das Ruder abgeben' (give up the helm/control).
EXAMPLE
Als der Projektleiter krank wurde, musste sein Teamkollege das Ruder übernehmen.
When the project manager got sick, his teammate had to take the helm.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'aus dem Ruder laufen' (to get out of hand) means that a situation gets out of control. The image describes a boat that can no longer be steered and goes off course.
EXAMPLE
Die Party begann friedlich, lief aber später völlig aus dem Ruder.
The party began peacefully but later got completely out of hand.
Typical verbs
When referring to the steering rudder of a ship, typical verbs are 'das Ruder legen' (to put the rudder over, to change direction) or 'das Ruder herumreißen' (to wrench the rudder around, to change direction quickly and sharply).
EXAMPLE
Der Steuermann riss das Ruder herum, um dem Eisberg auszuweichen.
The helmsman wrenched the rudder around to avoid the iceberg.
Compare with
Ruder vs Steuer
steering wheel / helm
Steuer and Ruder can figuratively refer to leading an organization. Ruder is especially common in the fixed expression „das Ruder übernehmen“; Steuer is also used for control and leadership and often suggests more strongly the active act of steering.
Ruder
Nach dem Rücktritt des Direktors übernahm seine Stellvertreterin das Ruder.
After the director resigned, her deputy took the helm.
Steuer
Nach dem Rücktritt des Direktors übernahm seine Stellvertreterin das Steuer.
After the director resigned, her deputy took the helm.
In real life
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