Meaning
To be in charge or able to manage a situation.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Kontrollverlust' (loss of control) is a common theme in German media and politics, reflecting a deep-seated desire for stability. In Vienna, you might hear 'Schau ma mal' (let's see), which suggests a more relaxed attitude toward control than in Northern Germany. Swiss German culture emphasizes precision and local control (subsidiarity), where having control over one's own 'Gemeinde' (community) is vital. In German companies like SAP or Siemens, 'Kontrolle' is often linked to 'Qualitätssicherung' (quality assurance).
The 'Über' Rule
Always remember that 'control over' is 'Kontrolle über'. It's one of the most common mistakes for English speakers.
Don't be a Dictator
Saying 'Ich habe hier {die|f} Kontrolle' can sound very aggressive in social settings. Use 'Ich kümmere mich darum' (I'll take care of it) instead.
Meaning
To be in charge or able to manage a situation.
The 'Über' Rule
Always remember that 'control over' is 'Kontrolle über'. It's one of the most common mistakes for English speakers.
Don't be a Dictator
Saying 'Ich habe hier {die|f} Kontrolle' can sound very aggressive in social settings. Use 'Ich kümmere mich darum' (I'll take care of it) instead.
Use 'im Griff'
If you want to sound like a native speaker at a B1 level, use 'Ich hab' das im Griff' instead of 'Ich habe {die|f} Kontrolle'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct article and verb form.
Ich ___ {___|f} Kontrolle über mein Leben.
The verb for 'to be in control' is 'haben' and 'Kontrolle' is feminine.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you say 'He has control over the dog'?
We use 'haben' + 'über' + Accusative.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Ist alles okay im Büro? B: Ja, wir ___ alles unter ___.
'Etwas unter Kontrolle haben' is the standard phrase for 'having everything under control'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are driving and the car is sliding on ice.
When you can no longer steer, you are 'losing control' (verlieren).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIch ___ {___|f} Kontrolle über mein Leben.
The verb for 'to be in control' is 'haben' and 'Kontrolle' is feminine.
How do you say 'He has control over the dog'?
We use 'haben' + 'über' + Accusative.
A: Ist alles okay im Büro? B: Ja, wir ___ alles unter ___.
'Etwas unter Kontrolle haben' is the standard phrase for 'having everything under control'.
You are driving and the car is sliding on ice.
When you can no longer steer, you are 'losing control' (verlieren).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNo, that is a literal translation of 'I am in control'. In German, you must say 'Ich habe {die|f} Kontrolle' or 'Ich habe alles unter Kontrolle'.
Yes, all nouns ending in '-e' that come from French/Latin roots like this are typically feminine in German.
'Kontrolle haben' is the state of being in charge. 'Kontrollieren' is the action of checking or verifying something.
Yes, 'die Kontrolle über seine Gefühle haben' is a very common way to talk about emotional self-regulation.
Related Phrases
etwas im Griff haben
similarTo have something handled/under control
die Fäden in der Hand halten
similarTo pull the strings
das Sagen haben
similarTo be the one who calls the shots
außer Kontrolle geraten
contrastTo get out of control
die Kontrolle verlieren
contrastTo lose control
