01
steuern
to steer
To steer a vehicle, ship, or aircraft in a particular direction.
example
Der Kapitän steuerte das Schiff sicher in den Hafen.
The captain steered the ship safely into the harbor.
steuern
to steer / control
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'steuern' (to steer/control) is related to two nouns: 'das Steuer' (steering wheel, rudder) and 'die Steuer' (tax). The main meaning 'to steer' comes from 'das Steuer', while the rare meaning 'to contribute' is related to 'die Steuer'.
EXAMPLE
Der Kapitän hält das Steuer fest in der Hand.
The captain holds the rudder firmly in his hand.
Concrete vs. abstract object
You can often recognize the meaning of 'steuern' (to steer/control) from the object. If it appears with a vehicle (car, ship), it means 'to steer'. If it appears with a process or project, it means 'to control' or 'to regulate'.
EXAMPLE
Der Pilot steuert das Flugzeug durch den Sturm.
The pilot steers the airplane through the storm.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'to control', 'steuern' is often combined with abstract nouns from business, technology, and management. Typical examples are: 'Abläufe steuern' (to control processes), 'die Nachfrage steuern' (to manage demand), or 'eine Kampagne steuern' (to direct a campaign).
EXAMPLE
Ein Thermostat steuert die Temperatur im Raum.
A thermostat controls the temperature in the room.
Fixed expression: auf etwas zusteuern
In combination with the preposition 'auf' (+ accusative), 'steuern' means that one is moving toward a goal or event. This can be meant spatially or, more often, figuratively.
EXAMPLE
Das Schiff steuert direkt auf die Küste zu.
The ship is heading directly toward the coast.
Fixed expression: gegen etwas steuern
Together with the preposition 'gegen' (+ accusative), 'steuern' expresses that one is taking measures against a negative development. It means 'to counteract'.
EXAMPLE
Die Zentralbank versucht, gegen die hohe Inflation zu steuern.
The central bank is trying to counteract high inflation.
Rare meaning
The meaning 'to contribute something' is rare today and is mostly used in elevated or older language. Often the verb 'beisteuern' (to contribute) is used instead.
EXAMPLE
Jeder Autor steuerte ein Kapitel zu dem Sammelband.
Each author contributed a chapter to the anthology.
Compare with
steuern vs fahren
to drive / ride
'fahren' and 'steuern' can both mean that someone operates a vehicle. 'fahren' is the normal general word: you drive a car, take a bus, or ride a bicycle. 'steuern' places more emphasis on controlling the direction, especially with a ship, aircraft, or also a car. The words can be confused because when you drive, you also steer. In everyday language, people usually say 'Auto fahren' (to drive a car). 'steuern' sounds more precise when the focus is on movement in a particular direction or on difficult control.
steuern
Der Kapitän steuert das Schiff langsam in den Hafen.
The captain steers the ship slowly into the harbor.
fahren
Am Montag fahre ich mit dem Auto zur Behörde.
On Monday, I’m driving to the government office.
In real life
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