der Schritt
step
A single movement of the foot when walking or running.
EXAMPLE
Er machte einen vorsichtigen Schritt auf dem glatten Eis.
He took a careful step on the slippery ice.
der Schritt
step
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Meanings
der Schritt
step
A single action or measure as part of a larger process or plan.
EXAMPLE
Der nächste logische Schritt ist die Kontaktaufnahme mit dem Hersteller.
The next logical step is to contact the manufacturer.
Schritt für Schritt
step by step
A fixed expression meaning that you proceed slowly and in stages.
EXAMPLE
Wir werden das Problem Schritt für Schritt lösen.
We will solve the problem step by step.
Schritt halten mit
to keep pace with
A fixed expression meaning to keep up with someone or something and not fall behind.
EXAMPLE
Es ist schwierig, mit dem rasanten technologischen Fortschritt Schritt zu halten.
It is difficult to keep pace with rapid technological progress.
der Schritt
gait / pace
The way or speed with which someone walks; the gait.
EXAMPLE
An ihrem eiligen Schritt erkannte ich, dass sie es eilig hatte.
I could tell from her hurried pace that she was in a hurry.
Usage tips
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning of 'Schritt' (step) from the context. If it is about movement with the feet, the literal meaning is intended. If it is about plans, projects, or processes, it means an action or measure.
EXAMPLE
Sie machte einen großen Schritt nach vorn.
She took a big step forward.
Typical collocations
In the figurative meaning, 'Schritt' (step) is often combined with adjectives like 'wichtig' (important), 'logisch' (logical), or 'entscheidend' (decisive). Typical verbs are 'einen Schritt machen' (to take a step), 'unternehmen' (to take), or 'einleiten' (to initiate).
EXAMPLE
Das war ein entscheidender Schritt für den Erfolg des Projekts.
That was a decisive step for the success of the project.
Fixed expression
The expression 'Schritt für Schritt' (step by step) functions like an adverb and describes that something is done slowly and systematically. It often stands near the verb it describes.
EXAMPLE
Lass uns die Anleitung Schritt für Schritt durchgehen.
Let's go through the instructions step by step.
Fixed expression with dative
The expression 'Schritt halten' (to keep pace) is always used with the preposition 'mit' (with) and the dative. It describes keeping up with the pace or development of someone or something.
EXAMPLE
Die kleine Firma kann mit den großen Konzernen nicht Schritt halten.
The small company cannot keep pace with the large corporations.
Typical collocations
In the literal sense, 'Schritt' (step) is often combined with verbs of movement. Common expressions are 'einen Schritt machen' (to take a step), 'einen Schritt wagen' (to dare to take a step), or 'einen Schritt zurücktreten' (to take a step back).
EXAMPLE
Er wagte einen Schritt auf die wackelige Brücke.
He dared to take a step onto the shaky bridge.
Elevated expression
To describe the manner of walking, you can use a genitive construction, e.g. 'schnellen Schrittes' (with quick steps) or 'leisen Schrittes' (with quiet steps). This is a rather elevated, written style.
EXAMPLE
Er verließ schnellen Schrittes den Raum.
He left the room with quick steps.
Compare with
Schritt vs Aktion
action / sale
Schritt and Aktion can both refer to a deliberate action carried out as part of an undertaking. Schritt places the action within a sequence as one stage, while Aktion emphasizes the deliberate act or undertaking more strongly. Schritt fits a plan, while Aktion is more suitable for an act that is meant to be highlighted.
Schritt
Die Prüfung der Unterlagen ist der nächste Schritt in unserem Plan.
Reviewing the documents is the next step in our plan.
Aktion
Die gemeinsame Aktion soll viele Menschen auf das Problem aufmerksam machen.
The joint action is intended to draw many people's attention to the problem.
In real life
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