to hold sway
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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.
![Visual example for walten: [etwas] walten lassen](https://static.membel.com/word-images/german/w10028/m01.avif)
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 show
'zeigen' and 'walten lassen' can both mean that a quality becomes visible in someone's behavior. 'zeigen' is the normal, general word: you can 'Geduld zeigen' (show patience), 'Interesse zeigen' (show interest), or 'Mut zeigen' (show courage). 'walten lassen' is elevated and occurs almost only in fixed expressions such as 'Vorsicht walten lassen' (to exercise caution) or 'Gnade walten lassen' (to show mercy). It does not just mean making something visible, but consciously acting that way in a situation. In everyday language, 'zeigen' is usually more natural.
Bei glatten Straßen sollten Autofahrer besondere Vorsicht walten lassen.
On icy roads, drivers should exercise particular caution.
Im Gespräch zeigt Mehmet viel Geduld mit dem neuen Kollegen.
In the conversation, Mehmet shows a lot of patience with the new colleague.