to hold sway
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![Visual example for walten: [etwas] walten lassen](https://static.membel.com/word-images/german/w10028/m01.avif)
to exercise [something]
(elevated) To apply or show a particular quality such as reason, caution, or mercy in a situation.
Angesichts der unklaren Lage ist es ratsam, besondere Vorsicht walten zu lassen.
In view of the unclear situation, it is advisable to exercise particular caution.
to hold sway
(elevated, becoming archaic) To rule, govern, or be effective as a determining force.
Über den Ruinen schien ein unheimliches Schweigen zu walten.
An eerie silence seemed to hold sway over the ruins.
to discharge one's duties
(formal) To carry out the official tasks and duties associated with a position or office.
Trotz des Drucks von außen waltete der Schiedsrichter unbeirrt seines Amtes.
Despite the pressure from outside, the referee unwaveringly discharged his duties.
The verb 'walten' belongs entirely to elevated or formal language and is very rare in everyday speech. It is used almost exclusively in fixed expressions or in literary texts.
Der Richter ließ in seinem Urteil Milde walten.
The judge showed leniency in his verdict.
'Walten' is the root of words such as 'verwalten' (to manage/administer), 'Gewalt' (force/violence/power), or 'Amtswalter' (officeholder). The basic meaning always has to do with ruling, being at work, or exercising power and responsibility.
Die Hausverwaltung kümmert sich um die Belange der Mieter.
The property management takes care of the tenants' concerns.
The verb is often used in the fixed expression '[etwas] walten lassen' (to exercise/show something). An abstract noun in the accusative is used with it, typically 'Vorsicht' (caution), 'Vernunft' (reason), or 'Gnade' (mercy).
Bei Investitionen sollte man immer Vorsicht walten lassen.
When making investments, one should always exercise caution.
The formal expression 'seines Amtes walten' (to discharge one's duties/office) requires the genitive. The phrase 'seines Amtes' describes the sphere in which a person carries out their official duties.
Der Notar waltete seines Amtes und verlas das Testament.
The notary discharged his duties and read out the will.
to seem / take effect
Wirken neutrally describes a force or influence having an effect. Walten is elevated and becoming archaic, and means that something rules or acts as a determining, often ordering force. Use wirken for a factual effect; walten can be appropriate for a solemn tone.
Bei dieser Entscheidung waltet die Vernunft als bestimmende Kraft.
Reason holds sway as the determining force in this decision.
Bei dieser Entscheidung wirkt die Vernunft als wichtiger Einfluss.
Reason is an important influence in this decision.
