harmony / unison
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in harmony with
To be in agreement or harmony with something. It means that something fits with something else or corresponds to its rules and principles.
Die neuen Maßnahmen stehen im Einklang mit den Zielen des Unternehmens.
The new measures are in harmony with the company's goals.
unison
In music, the simultaneous sounding of the same note by different voices or instruments.
Der Chor sang die erste Strophe im Einklang, bevor die Mehrstimmigkeit einsetzte.
The choir sang the first verse in unison before the harmony parts began.
The word consists of 'ein' (one) and 'der Klang' (sound). The literal meaning 'ein Klang' (one sound) or 'unison' is used in music and metaphorically for harmony and agreement.
Die Sänger begannen die Hymne im Einklang.
The singers began the anthem in unison.
The difference between the meanings is easy to recognize from context. If it is about music, instruments, or voices, it refers to musical unison. If it is about laws, nature, values, or goals, it refers to the figurative meaning of 'Harmonie' (harmony).
Der Chor sang die Melodie im Einklang.
The choir sang the melody in unison.
In the meaning of 'Übereinstimmung' (agreement), 'Einklang' is almost always part of the fixed expression 'im Einklang mit etwas stehen/sein/handeln' (to be/act in harmony with something). The preposition 'mit' takes the dative.
Sein Handeln steht nicht im Einklang mit seinen Worten.
His actions are not in harmony with his words.
The expression 'im Einklang mit' (in harmony with) is often used to express harmony with abstract concepts, for example 'mit der Natur' (with nature), 'mit den Gesetzen' (with the laws), or 'mit den eigenen Werten' (with one's own values).
Viele Menschen suchen ein Leben im Einklang mit der Natur.
Many people seek a life in harmony with nature.
harmony
Einklang usually refers to concrete agreement with something or between specific positions. Harmonie places more emphasis on an overall state of peace and unity. „Einklang“ is appropriate when two interests fit together; „Harmonie“ is more suitable for good relations and cooperation.
Die neuen Regeln stehen im Einklang mit den Interessen der Beschäftigten.
The new rules are in line with the employees’ interests.
Im Team herrscht trotz der schwierigen Aufgabe große Harmonie.
Despite the difficult task, there is a great deal of harmony within the team.
