gait / approach
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gait
The characteristic way in which a person or animal, especially a horse, moves when walking. This includes rhythm, stride length, and posture.
Das Pferd zeigte im Trab eine sehr elegante Gangart.
At a trot, the horse displayed a very elegant gait.
approach
In a figurative sense, the way someone proceeds or acts, often in relation to the tone or severity of the approach.
Nach den gescheiterten Verhandlungen legte die Regierung eine härtere Gangart gegenüber den Streikenden ein.
After the failed negotiations, the government adopted a tougher approach toward the strikers.
The word is made up of 'der Gang' (walk/gait) and 'die Art' (type/way). So it literally describes the 'way of walking.'
Man erkannte ihn schon von Weitem an seiner seltsamen Gangart.
You could recognize him from far away by his strange gait.
The literal meaning refers to the movement of people or animals. The figurative meaning describes an approach in politics or business and is often combined with adjectives such as 'hart' (hard/tough) or 'sanft' (gentle/soft).
Die Tänzerin hatte eine sehr leichte und anmutige Gangart.
The dancer had a very light and graceful gait.
In connection with animals, especially horses, 'Gangart' (gait) is a technical term. Specific gaits of a horse include 'Schritt' (walk), 'Trab' (trot), and 'Galopp' (canter/gallop), for example.
Der Reitlehrer erklärte die verschiedenen Gangarten des Pferdes.
The riding instructor explained the different gaits of the horse.
In the figurative meaning, the phrase 'eine (bestimmte) Gangart einlegen' is often used. It means to begin acting in a new, usually tougher way.
Nach wochenlangen Protesten legte die Opposition eine schärfere Gangart ein.
After weeks of protests, the opposition adopted a sharper approach.
course / rate
Kurs refers to the general strategy or direction of political or business action. Gangart, by contrast, describes how that strategy is implemented, especially in terms of tone and severity. Kurs is therefore appropriate for the goal or general direction, while Gangart is more appropriate for a harder or gentler approach.
Bei der Umsetzung dieses Kurses wählt die Regierung eine härtere Gangart.
In implementing this course, the government is taking a tougher approach.
Die Regierung hält an ihrem wirtschaftspolitischen Kurs fest.
The government is sticking to its economic policy course.
