helmsman / coxswain
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helmsman
The person who steers a ship, boat, or other watercraft with the help of a rudder or helm and keeps it on course.
Der erfahrene Steuermann navigierte die Fähre sicher durch den engen Fjord.
The experienced helmsman navigated the ferry safely through the narrow fjord.
The word is made up of 'das Steuer' (the helm/rudder, in the sense of a ship's steering mechanism) and 'der Mann' (man). So it literally refers to the person responsible for steering.
Der Steuermann muss das Schiff sicher in den Hafen bringen.
The helmsman must bring the ship safely into the harbor.
You can recognize which meaning is intended from the context. Words like 'Schiff' (ship), 'Boot' (boat), or 'Kurs halten' (to keep course) point to seafaring (m01). 'Achter' (eight) or 'Ruderboot' (rowing boat) refer to the sport (m02). 'Unternehmen' (company), 'Partei' (party), or 'Krise' (crisis) signal the figurative meaning (m03).
Der Steuermann des Ruder-Achters ist für die Taktik verantwortlich.
The coxswain of the rowing eight is responsible for the tactics.
The figurative meaning is often used to describe a leader who navigates an organization through a difficult phase. The image is that of a captain steering a ship through a storm.
In der Wirtschaftskrise braucht das Unternehmen einen erfahrenen Steuermann.
In the economic crisis, the company needs an experienced leader.
leader / conductor
'der Leiter' and 'der Steuermann' can both mean a person who guides a group or project. 'der Leiter' is the normal term for someone with official responsibility. 'der Steuermann' is used figuratively in this context: you imagine the person as someone who keeps a boat on course. That sounds more metaphorical and less neutral. In an employment contract or organizational chart, you would be more likely to say 'Leiter'. 'Steuermann' fits better in reports or conversations when you want to emphasize that someone is steering a difficult situation safely.
In der Krise wurde Herr Schneider zum ruhigen Steuermann des Projekts.
During the crisis, Mr. Schneider became the calm helmsman of the project.
Mein Freund ist seit Januar der Leiter eines kleinen Lernteams.
My friend has been the leader of a small study team since January.