How do you determine direction with a compass?

Answer 1

You know that the needle points to North, so you turn the compass to bring the North point on the card beneath the needle under the point of the needle. Then the card is lined up with the Earth, so you you can read the directions on the card.

Answer 2

Assuming you know the direction of the destination you want to reach, and assuming you know if it is morning or afternoon and assuming the sun is out. The sun rises in the east and sets in the west so if you mentally imagine a compass you can find what you are looking for.

*Note not good for city settings where approximate measurements don't work well