German word

lenken

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈlɛŋkən/

Meaning

  • verbdirect

Example

Sie lenkt den Blick auf das Gemälde.

She directs her gaze toward the painting.

Illustration for lenken (direct)

More examples

Er lenkt die Diskussion in eine praktischere Richtung.

He steers the discussion in a more practical direction.

Core concept

A hand turns a vehicle or redirects a beam of attention toward a chosen target.

Common phrases

  • die Diskussion lenken

    steer the discussion

  • den Blick lenken weg von

    steer one's gaze away from

  • die Debatte lenken

    steer the debate

Similar words

steuern: Controls an object or machine by changing its direction or speed.
führen: Guides a person or group toward a destination or goal.
richten: Aims a gaze or attention at a specific point.
ablenken: Diverts attention or interest to a different target.

Definition in German

Etwas gezielt in eine Richtung führen oder steuern; auch übertragen, um Aufmerksamkeit oder Meinungen zu beeinflussen

Word origin

Lenken is an inherited Germanic verb, recorded in Old High German and Middle High German, with an old sense connected to turning or guiding.

Usage tips

  • For directed attention, lenken commonly takes auf plus the accusative, as in den Blick auf das Gemälde lenken.

Other meanings

  • steerverb

Opposites

Related words

  • lenkendguidingadjective
  • Lenkungsteeringnoun

Word lists with this word