Macht ausüben

Using this phrase is quite straightforward because it follows standard German grammar. The verb ausüben is separable, meaning the aus part often moves to the end of the sentence. You would say: Er übt seine Macht aus. If you want to sound smart in a meeting, you can use it to describe a manager's leadership style. It always takes the accusative case, so you are exercising 'the' power. You can also add adjectives to describe the type of power. For example, you could say someone is exercising 'political' power (politische Macht ausüben). It is a strong, active expression.

This is your go-to phrase for serious discussions. Use it when you are talking about the government making new laws. Use it in the office when a boss is being particularly demanding. It is also great for historical contexts, like discussing how kings used to rule. You might even use it when talking about social media influencers and the control they have over their followers. If you feel like someone is pushing you around, this phrase perfectly captures that dynamic. It feels heavy and significant, so use it when the situation has some weight.

Do not use this for physical strength or gym talk. If you are lifting 100kg, you are using Kraft, not Macht. Also, avoid using it for simple, everyday favors. If your friend asks you to buy milk, they aren't 'exercising power' over you; they are just being a bit lazy. It is also different from Gewalt anwenden, which means using physical force or violence. Macht ausüben is usually about structural or social authority, not hitting someone. Keep it for the boardroom, not the boxing ring. Using it for small things might make you sound a bit dramatic or paranoid.

Germany has a very deep and complex history with the concept of power. Because of the 20th century, Germans are often very sensitive to how power is used. There is a strong emphasis on Gewaltenteilung, which is the separation of powers. When people talk about Macht ausüben in German news, there is often a subtext of accountability. People want to know *how* and *why* that power is being used. It’s not just about being the boss; it’s about the responsibility that comes with it. This makes the phrase feel very serious and sometimes even a bit suspicious in a cultural context.

If Macht feels too intense, you can use Einfluss ausüben. This means to exert influence and sounds much softer. It is what you do when you try to convince a friend to see a certain movie. Another variation is Druck ausüben, which means to exert pressure. You use this when you are trying to force someone to make a quick decision. If you are talking about a very strict ruler, you might hear Herrschaft ausüben. For something more modern, Kontrolle ausüben (to exercise control) is very common in technical or management contexts.