die Steuer / das Steuer
Translation
tax, duty, steering wheel, helm
Examples
Ich muss meine Steuern bezahlen.
I have to pay my taxes.
Die Regierung erhöht die Steuern.
The government is increasing taxes.
Er saß am Steuer des Autos.
He was at the steering wheel of the car.
Grammar Patterns
to pay/levy taxes on ((sth.)) to pay/levy taxes on sth. You have to pay taxes on your income.
to be at the wheel to be at the wheel Who is at the wheel today?
Similar Words
Synonyms: Abgabe (levy); Lenkrad (steering wheel)
Etymology
'die Steuer' (tax) is from an old word for 'support'. 'das Steuer' (helm) is from an old word for 'rudder'. They coincidentally sound the same now.
Memory Tips
Connect both meanings to the verb 'steuern' (to steer/control). The government controls finances with 'die Steuer' (tax), and you control a car with 'das Steuer' (steering wheel).