diplomatic
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diplomatic / tactful
Acting or phrased in a tactful and skillful way in order to avoid conflicts or unpleasant situations.
Er hat die heikle Frage sehr diplomatisch beantwortet, ohne jemanden zu verletzen.
He answered the delicate question very diplomatically, without hurting anyone.
The adjective 'diplomatisch' belongs to the word family of 'der Diplomat' (the diplomat) and 'die Diplomatie' (diplomacy). A diplomat represents their country (meaning 2) and has to negotiate tactfully and skillfully while doing so (meaning 1).
Ein guter Diplomat findet immer die richtigen Worte.
A good diplomat always finds the right words.
You can distinguish the two meanings well from context. If it is about politics, states, and international relations, the political meaning is intended. If it is about personal behavior and communication, 'taktvoll' (tactful) is meant.
Die beiden Länder suchen nach einer diplomatischen Lösung für den Konflikt.
The two countries are looking for a diplomatic solution to the conflict.
In the meaning 'taktvoll' (tactful), 'diplomatisch' often describes the manner of communication. Common combinations are 'eine diplomatische Antwort' (a diplomatic answer), 'sich diplomatisch ausdrücken' (to express oneself diplomatically), or 'eine diplomatische Formulierung' (a diplomatic phrasing).
Auf die unangenehme Frage fand sie eine sehr diplomatische Antwort.
She found a very diplomatic answer to the unpleasant question.
In a political context, 'diplomatisch' is part of many fixed terms. These include, for example, 'diplomatische Immunität' (diplomatic immunity), 'das diplomatische Korps' (the diplomatic corps), or 'diplomatische Vertretung' (diplomatic mission/embassy).
Als Diplomat genießt er diplomatische Immunität im Gastland.
As a diplomat, he enjoys diplomatic immunity in the host country.
political
'politisch' and 'diplomatisch' can both describe that someone acts carefully and skillfully. 'diplomatisch' is used especially when someone speaks or acts in a friendly, tactful way that avoids conflict. Here, 'politisch' means more that someone acts this way for strategic reasons, for example to find a compromise or avoid angering certain people. The words can be confused because both often sound cautious. In practical terms: 'diplomatisch' emphasizes polite interaction, while 'politisch' emphasizes the tactical goal behind it.
Die Chefin hat die Kritik sehr diplomatisch formuliert.
The boss phrased the criticism very diplomatically.
Felix gab eine politische Antwort, weil er keine Gruppe im Team verärgern wollte.
Felix gave a political answer because he did not want to upset any group on the team.