nag / knight
Loading your saved state.
nag
Colloquial, often derogatory term for a horse, especially an old, worn-out, or poor workhorse. However, the term can also be used neutrally or jokingly.
Der alte Bauer spannte seinen Gaul vor den Karren.
The old farmer hitched his nag to the cart.
knight
Colloquial term for the chess piece called the knight.
Mit einem überraschenden Zug opferte er seinen Gaul, um den König anzugreifen.
With a surprising move, he sacrificed his knight in order to attack the king.
'Gaul' (nag) is a colloquial word for horse and often has a derogatory meaning for an old or weak animal. However, it can also be meant jokingly or affectionately.
Der alte Bauer nannte sein Pferd liebevoll „meinen treuen Gaul“.
The old farmer affectionately called his horse 'my faithful nag'.
The word is part of the well-known proverb 'Einem geschenkten Gaul schaut man nicht ins Maul' (Don't look a gift horse in the mouth). It means you should not criticize a gift.
Die Jacke ist nicht perfekt, aber einem geschenkten Gaul schaut man nicht ins Maul.
The jacket isn't perfect, but you shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth.
When 'Gaul' (knight) is used in the context of chess, it means the knight piece. Words like 'Schachbrett' (chessboard), 'Zug' (move), or 'Figur' (piece) make the meaning clear.
Er hat seinen Gaul geopfert, um die Dame zu schlagen.
He sacrificed his knight in order to capture the queen.
horse
Pferd is the neutral standard term for the animal. Gaul is colloquial and often sounds derogatory, especially when referring to an old or poor workhorse, but it can also be used jokingly or neutrally. Pferd is suitable for a factual statement, while Gaul is appropriate when a deliberately casual or negative tone is intended.
Der verärgerte Besitzer nennt dasselbe Tier einen alten Gaul.
The angry owner calls the same animal an old nag.
Die Tierärztin nennt das Tier in ihrem Bericht ein Pferd.
In her report, the veterinarian calls the animal a horse.
