German word

Ruder

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʁuːdɐ/

Meaning

  • neuter nounrudder

Example

Der Kapitän drehte das Ruder nach links.

The captain turned the rudder to the left.

Illustration for Ruder (rudder)

More examples

Nach der Krise musste sie das Ruder übernehmen.

After the crisis, she had to take the helm.

Core concept

A boat's blade can either guide its course from behind or serve as the long handle for rowing.

Common phrases

  • das Ruder übernehmen

    take the helm

  • am Ruder bleiben

    stay at the helm

  • mit dem Ruder steuern

    steer with the rudder

Similar words

Steuer: A steering mechanism used to change the direction of a boat or vehicle.
Steuerrad: A round wheel turned by hand to steer a vehicle or small boat.
Paddel: A long-handled blade used by hand to propel a small boat.

Definition in German

Ein flaches Bauteil am Heck eines Schiffes, mit dem man das Schiff lenkt; außerdem ein langes Paddel, das man zum Rudern eines Bootes benutzt

Word origin

German Ruder comes through Middle High German ruoder from an inherited Germanic word, with English rudder as a related form.

Usage tips

  • In the figurative phrase das Ruder übernehmen, Ruder means control or leadership rather than a physical boat blade.

Other meanings

  • oarnoun

Related words

  • rudernrowverb
  • Ruderbootrowboatnoun
  • Rudererrowernoun

Word lists with this word