maneuver
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military exercise
A large-scale exercise by military units such as soldiers, ships, or aircraft to train for a real emergency.
Die Bundeswehr hält im Herbst ein großes Manöver ab.
The German armed forces are holding a large military exercise in the fall.
maneuver
A skillful, often deliberate action or movement to achieve a particular goal or master a difficult situation.
Mit einem geschickten Überholmanöver zog der Fahrer an dem LKW vorbei.
With a skillful passing maneuver, the driver moved past the truck.
maneuver / ploy
An action intended to deceive someone or distract from the true intentions; a trick or ploy.
Sein plötzliches Angebot war nur ein taktisches Manöver, um Zeit zu gewinnen.
His sudden offer was just a tactical maneuver to gain time.
You can recognize the meaning of 'Manöver' (maneuver) from the context. If it is about the military or soldiers, it means an exercise. In connection with vehicles or sports, it refers to a skillful movement. In political or social contexts, it often means a ploy.
Das NATO-Manöver findet in der Nordsee statt.
The NATO exercise is taking place in the North Sea.
The noun 'Manöver' (maneuver) is related to the verb 'manövrieren' (to maneuver). 'Manövrieren' (to maneuver) means to steer something (e.g., a ship, a car, or oneself) skillfully through a narrow or difficult situation.
Der Kapitän manövrierte das große Schiff sicher in den Hafen.
The captain maneuvered the large ship safely into the harbor.
In a military context, a 'Manöver' (military exercise) is often 'abgehalten' (held), 'durchgeführt' (carried out), or 'beobachtet' (observed). Typical adjectives are 'militärisch' (military) or 'groß angelegt' (large-scale).
Die Armee hält jedes Jahr ein großes Manöver ab.
The army holds a large military exercise every year.
In the meaning of 'geschickte Bewegung' (skillful movement), 'Manöver' (maneuver) is often part of compound nouns. Well-known examples are 'Überholmanöver' (passing maneuver) when driving, or 'Ausweichmanöver' (evasive maneuver).
Das Überholmanöver auf der Landstraße war sehr riskant.
The passing maneuver on the country road was very risky.
When a ploy is meant, 'Manöver' (maneuver / ploy) often appears with adjectives such as 'taktisch' (tactical), 'politisch' (political), or 'raffiniert' (clever). A common compound is 'Ablenkungsmanöver' (diversionary maneuver).
Die Ankündigung des Politikers war ein rein taktisches Manöver.
The politician's announcement was a purely tactical maneuver.
practice / exercise
Übung and Manöver can both refer to military training for a real emergency. Übung is the broader term and also works for smaller training exercises. Manöver typically refers to a large-scale exercise involving several military units.
Mehrere große Einheiten trainieren bei einem Manöver gemeinsam den Einsatz im Gelände.
Several large units train together for operations in the field during a military exercise.
Eine einzelne Einheit trainiert bei einer Übung den Einsatz im Gelände.
A single unit trains for operations in the field during a drill.
