Whether you're talking about checking tickets, keeping your emotions in check, or dealing with bureaucracy, the word for control in German will be one you’ll reach for again and again. It’s surprisingly flexible — and knowing how to use it will give your vocabulary real strength and precision.
The word is Kontrolle — pronounced “kon-TROH-leh,” with the stress on the second syllable and the ending like “leh” in hallelujah.
Kontrolle is feminine, so it's die Kontrolle. The plural is die Kontrollen — commonly used for security checks or inspections. If you're still figuring out when to use die, der, or das, my gender video lesson will walk you through it with ease.
It’s one of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German, especially common in travel, administration, law enforcement, and psychology.
Examples in all four cases:
Nominative:
Die Kontrolle war sehr streng.
The control/check was very strict.
Accusative:
Ich habe die Kontrolle über die Situation verloren.
I lost control of the situation.
Dative:
Nach der Kontrolle konnten wir weiterfahren.
After the inspection, we were allowed to continue driving.
Genitive:
Die Ergebnisse der Kontrolle liegen vor.
The results of the check are available.
Real-World Tips for Learners
Kontrolle can mean “check,” “inspection,” or “control,” depending on the context. It’s used in phrases like:
die Passkontrolle – passport check
unter Kontrolle sein – to be under control
die Kontrolle verlieren – to lose control
eine Kontrolle durchführen – to carry out an inspection
In everyday life, you'll hear it at airports, on trains, and in emotional conversations. Germans might say, Ich muss die Kontrolle behalten (I have to stay in control) or Es gab eine Verkehrskontrolle (There was a traffic stop). When you hear Kontrolle, pay attention to whether it means power, security, or checking.
Beginner dialogue using Kontrolle:
A: Warum warst du so spät?
B: Es gab eine Kontrolle auf der Autobahn.
A: Why were you so late?
B: There was a checkpoint on the highway.
Now it’s your turn. Think of your answer and say it aloud using Kontrolle.
“Wann ist es schwierig, die Kontrolle zu behalten — und warum?”
When is it difficult to stay in control — and why?
Say your answer out loud in German and include Kontrolle in the sentence.
German Word of the Day
Now you know how to say control in German — and how die Kontrolle shows up in travel, systems, emotions, and everyday experiences.
Download the free illustrated PDF of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German and power up your vocabulary with the most practical words in the language.
Ready for more German Words of the Day?
Check out Körper — vital for any health or fitness conversation.
Or revisit Kopfschmerzen — to learn everyday health vocabulary with confidence.