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.
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.
control / check
'Kontrolle' and 'Zepter' can both have to do with leadership or power in a situation. 'Kontrolle' is a normal word and directly says that someone directs or controls something. 'Zepter' is used in this sense almost only figuratively, for example in expressions like 'das Zepter übernehmen' (to take over the reins). It sounds more strongly connected to leadership, management, or visible power. Learners may confuse the words because 'das Zepter in der Hand haben' (to hold the reins) means something similar to 'die Kontrolle haben' (to have control). In everyday language, 'Kontrolle' is more neutral and more general; 'Zepter' fits better in fixed figurative expressions.
Nach der Pause übernahm Frau Becker das Zepter und leitete die Besprechung.
After the break, Ms. Becker took over the reins and led the meeting.
Im Notfall muss der Einsatzleiter die Kontrolle behalten.
In an emergency, the incident commander must maintain control.