Breakdown of Wir steuern den Roboter mit diesem Knopf.
wir
we
dieser
this / that (fem.: diese, neut.: dieses)
mit
with
der
who, which, that (relative pronoun; die, das)
steuern
to control
der Knopf
the button
der Roboter
the robot
Questions & Answers about Wir steuern den Roboter mit diesem Knopf.
Why is the German word for "control" here steuern instead of kontrollieren?
In German, kontrollieren usually means to check, monitor, or inspect something (like a ticket inspector). When you are physically operating or directing a machine, vehicle, or system, you use steuern (which is related to the English word "steer").
Why does it say diesem Knopf and not diesen Knopf?
The preposition mit always forces the following noun phrase into the dative case. Because Knopf is a masculine noun (der Knopf), the word for "this" must take the masculine dative ending -em, making it diesem.
Is den Roboter in the accusative case here?
Yes. The robot is the direct object receiving the action of the verb steuern, so it takes the accusative case. Because Roboter is a masculine noun, the definite article changes from der to den.
Does Knopf mean both a push-button and a clothing button?
Yes! Der Knopf is used for mechanical or electronic buttons you press (like on a machine or remote control) as well as the buttons you use to fasten shirts and coats.
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