Dirigeer

Dirigeer is a Dutch verb meaning to direct, conduct, or steer. The infinitive is dirigeren. It is used most often in musical contexts to indicate conducting an orchestra, choir, or ensemble, but it can also describe guiding a project, organization, or policy.

The form dirigeer occurs as the first-person present singular (ik dirigeer) and as the imperative (Dirigeer!). The present tense also includes dirigeert for the second and third person singular, while the past tense is dirigeerde. The past participle is gedirigeerd. In everyday usage, the sense centers on coordinating, leading, or orchestrating activities rather than merely giving orders.

Etymology and related terms: Dirigeer derives from the French diriger, which in turn comes from Latin dirigere, meaning to direct or set straight. Related Dutch terms include dirigeren (the infinitive), dirigent (a conductor), and directie or leiding (concepts of direction or management). In music, dirigent is the person who conducts, while dirigeerדים and dirigeren describe the act itself.

Usage notes: Dirigeer conveys a deliberate, coordinated form of leadership. In music, it denotes the precise, timing-driven act of conducting. In non-musical contexts, it emphasizes management, orchestration, and strategic steering rather than casual guidance. The word is commonly used across formal and semi-formal registers and can be replaced by synonyms such as leiden, sturen, or besturen depending on nuance.

See also: dirigent, dirigeren, directie, leiding, sturen.