kontrollieren
To control/check
Use `kontrollieren` whenever you need to verify accuracy or maintain authority over a situation or object.
15秒でわかる
- Means both to verify details and to exercise power over something.
- Used for checking tickets, homework, or controlling one's own emotions.
- Central to the German cultural value of precision and thoroughness.
意味
In German, this word is a double-threat. It means both to verify something is correct (like checking your tickets) and to have power or authority over something (like controlling a machine).
主な例文
3 / 6At the airport security
Der Beamte muss meinen Reisepass kontrollieren.
The officer must check my passport.
Talking to a friend about a project
Kannst du bitte meine Hausaufgaben kontrollieren?
Can you please check my homework?
In a stressful business meeting
Wir müssen die Situation unter Kontrolle bringen.
We must bring the situation under control.
文化的背景
The phrase 'Vertrauen ist gut, Kontrolle ist besser' (attributed to Lenin but widely used in Germany) highlights a cultural emphasis on precision and verification. In German public transport, 'Schwarzfahren' (riding without a ticket) is met with 'Fahrscheinkontrolle', a process so common it has become a staple of urban life and local humor.
The False Friend Trap
While it looks like 'control', it often just means 'to check'. If a German says they want to 'control' your work, they aren't being bossy—they just want to help you find typos!
The 'Kontrolleur' Effect
In German cities, people often whisper 'Kontrolle!' on the bus to warn others that ticket inspectors have boarded. It's a moment of instant community bonding.
15秒でわかる
- Means both to verify details and to exercise power over something.
- Used for checking tickets, homework, or controlling one's own emotions.
- Central to the German cultural value of precision and thoroughness.
What It Means
Kontrollieren is your go-to word for checking facts or inspecting items. Think of it as 'double-checking' your work or 'verifying' a passport. It also carries the weight of management. If you control a situation, you kontrollieren it. It is more active than just looking. It implies an assessment is happening.
How To Use It
You use it just like the English verb. It follows standard weak verb conjugation. Use it when you are looking for errors. Use it when you are ensuring rules are followed. It works perfectly for homework, bank statements, or luggage. You can also use it for emotions. If you stay calm, you kontrollieren your feelings. It is a very versatile and sturdy verb.
When To Use It
Use it at the airport when the officer asks for your ID. Use it at work when a colleague asks you to proofread an email. Use it at home when you check if the stove is off. It is perfect for professional settings. It is also great for daily chores. If you are a gamer, you kontrollieren your character. It fits anywhere where 'checking' or 'dominating' is the goal.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for 'checking out' a cool new cafe. For that, use auschecken or anschauen. Do not use it for 'checking in' at a hotel. That is einchecken. Avoid it when you mean 'to monitor' over a long period. In those cases, überwachen might be better. It is not for 'checking' a box on a list. Use abhaken for that. Don't use it to mean 'checking up' on a friend's health.
Cultural Background
Germans have a reputation for being thorough. This word is the heart of that stereotype. There is a famous saying: 'Vertrauen ist gut, Kontrolle ist besser.' This means 'Trust is good, control is better.' It reflects a cultural preference for certainty. In Germany, ticket inspectors on trains are called Kontrolleure. They don't just 'check' tickets; they perform a Kontrolle. It is a word that commands a bit of respect and sometimes a little fear if you forgot your pass!
Common Variations
The noun form is die Kontrolle. You can 'have' it (unter Kontrolle haben) or 'lose' it (die Kontrolle verlieren). Another common version is nachkontrollieren. This means to check something one more time just to be absolutely sure. You might also hear überprüfen. This is a close cousin that means 'to review' or 'to audit.'
使い方のコツ
Be careful not to sound too aggressive. In personal relationships, 'kontrollieren' can imply a lack of trust. In professional settings, it is the standard word for quality assurance.
The False Friend Trap
While it looks like 'control', it often just means 'to check'. If a German says they want to 'control' your work, they aren't being bossy—they just want to help you find typos!
The 'Kontrolleur' Effect
In German cities, people often whisper 'Kontrolle!' on the bus to warn others that ticket inspectors have boarded. It's a moment of instant community bonding.
Double the Check
If you want to sound more native, use 'nachgucken' for casual checks (like looking in the pantry) and save 'kontrollieren' for things that need real attention.
例文
6Der Beamte muss meinen Reisepass kontrollieren.
The officer must check my passport.
Standard use for official verification.
Kannst du bitte meine Hausaufgaben kontrollieren?
Can you please check my homework?
Asking for a quick review or proofread.
Wir müssen die Situation unter Kontrolle bringen.
We must bring the situation under control.
Using the noun form to express management of a crisis.
Hast du kontrolliert, ob das Licht aus ist?
Did you check if the light is off?
Common household usage for safety checks.
Ich kann meinen Hund heute gar nicht kontrollieren!
I can't control my dog at all today!
Humorous use regarding a lack of authority over a pet.
Es ist schwer, seine Wut zu kontrollieren.
It is hard to control one's anger.
Refers to emotional self-regulation.
自分をテスト
Choose the correct form of the verb for the subject 'Ich'.
Ich ___ jeden Morgen meine E-Mails.
For the first person singular 'Ich', the verb ending is '-e'.
Which word fits best in a professional context for 'checking' a document?
Bitte ___ Sie die Zahlen im Bericht.
Kontrollieren is the appropriate verb for verifying data or figures.
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ビジュアル学習ツール
Formality of 'kontrollieren'
Checking if the fridge is empty.
Check mal den Kühlschrank.
Standard daily verification.
Ich kontrolliere die Rechnung.
Official inspections or audits.
Die Behörde kontrolliert die Dokumente.
Where to use 'kontrollieren'
Train Travel
Fahrkartenkontrolle
School/Work
Fehler suchen
Self-Control
Gefühle bändigen
Technology
Maschinen steuern
よくある質問
10 問No, most of the time it just means verifying something. For example, Ich kontrolliere die Liste simply means you are checking the list for errors.
Not really. For social media, Germans usually say checken or nachsehen. Kontrollieren would sound like you are auditing your Instagram for mistakes.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend without it sounding weird.
You say Alles unter Kontrolle. It is a very common phrase used in both movies and daily life.
Überprüfen is slightly more formal and often used for technical or legal reviews. Kontrollieren is more common in everyday speech.
No, use the English loanword einchecken for that. Kontrollieren is what the security does to your bags after you check in.
Yes, a male is der Kontrolleur and a female is die Kontrolleurin. You'll see them most often on public transport.
Yes, but it sounds very negative. It implies you are being overbearing or possessive, like Er kontrolliert seine Freundin.
That is a fee inspection. You might see this on official letters regarding TV licenses or parking fines.
It is a regular verb: ich kontrollierte (simple past) or ich habe kontrolliert (present perfect).
関連フレーズ
überprüfen (to review/verify)
checken (to check - informal)
nachsehen (to look up/check)
beherrschen (to master/control)
unter Kontrolle (under control)
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