Das Brandenburger Tor: Geschichte, Architektur und Bedeutung

What does “die Zügel in der Hand halten” mean in German?

On the Brandenburg Gate, the goddess Victoria “die Zügel in der Hand hält” — she holds the reins of four horses. The clip uses it in the real, physical sense: she is the one steering the chariot. But Germans say this about people too. If you “hold the reins,” you are the one in charge and steering things. Picture a driver gripping the reins, then use it for anyone running the show.

“…auf dem die Siegesgöttin Victoria die Zügel in der Hand hält.” — “…on which the victory goddess Victoria holds the reins in her hand.” In the clip it is literal: she really holds the reins of the four horses. But in everyday German it usually means “to be in control.” Examples: - Wer hält hier eigentlich die Zügel in der Hand? — Who is actually in charge here? - Sie hält die Zügel fest in der Hand. — She has firm control of things. - Nach dem Wechsel hielt der neue Chef die Zügel in der Hand. — After the change, the new boss was running things. Usage notes: “die Zügel” are the leather reins you use to steer a horse. You often add “fest” (firm/tight) to stress strong control. The opposite picture is “die Zügel locker lassen” — to loosen the reins, to let people do their own thing.