scepter
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scepter
A richly decorated staff carried by monarchs on ceremonial occasions as a symbol of their power and rule.
Bei der Krönung hielt der König das Zepter in der rechten Hand.
At the coronation, the king held the scepter in his right hand.
control / power
In a figurative sense, leadership, control, or power in a group, company, or situation. Often in expressions like 'das Zepter übernehmen' (to take over the reins) or 'das Zepter in der Hand halten' (to hold the reins).
Nach dem Rücktritt des Direktors hat nun seine Stellvertreterin das Zepter in der Hand.
After the director's resignation, his deputy now holds the reins.
This word is very often used in fixed expressions that mean leadership or control. The most important ones are 'das Zepter übernehmen' (to take over the leadership) and 'das Zepter in der Hand haben' (to have control).
Die neue Managerin hat das Zepter in der Marketingabteilung übernommen.
The new manager has taken over the reins in the marketing department.
The literal meaning is rare and refers to kings and queens. In almost all other contexts (company, family, politics), the figurative meaning 'Führung' (leadership) or 'Macht' (power) is meant.
Im Museum sahen wir den Reichsapfel und das Zepter des Kaisers.
In the museum, we saw the imperial orb and the emperor's scepter.
Alongside 'das Zepter übernehmen' (to take over the reins), there is also 'das Zepter übergeben' (to hand over the reins) or 'abgeben' (to give them up). This means passing leadership or responsibility on to someone else.
Der alte Firmenchef wird das Zepter bald an seinen Sohn übergeben.
The old company boss will soon hand over the reins to his son.
leadership / tour / lead
Führung and das Zepter can both express leadership of a group or company. Führung is the matter-of-fact term for the leadership role, while das Zepter is usually used figuratively and with an emphasis on power or control. Use Führung neutrally and das Zepter for a striking idiomatic expression.
Nach dem Rücktritt übernimmt die Stellvertreterin das Zepter im Unternehmen.
After the resignation, the deputy takes over the reins at the company.
Nach dem Rücktritt übernimmt die Stellvertreterin die Führung des Unternehmens.
After the resignation, the deputy takes over leadership of the company.
