move / strategic move
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strategic move
A clever, strategically planned action to achieve a specific goal, often used figuratively in politics or business.
Die Übernahme des Konkurrenten war ein brillanter Schachzug des Unternehmens.
The takeover of the competitor was a brilliant strategic move by the company.
The word is made up of 'Schach' (chess, the game) and 'Zug' (move). So the literal meaning is a move in a game of chess.
Er überlegte lange, bevor er seinen nächsten Schachzug machte.
He thought for a long time before making his next chess move.
The literal meaning refers to the game of chess. You can recognize the figurative, strategic meaning from the context, for example when the topic is politics, business, or a career.
Sein letzter Schachzug im Spiel war sehr überraschend.
His last chess move in the game was very surprising.
In the figurative meaning, 'Schachzug' (strategic move) is often combined with adjectives such as 'klug' (clever), 'genial' (brilliant), 'strategisch' (strategic), or 'überraschend' (surprising). The typical verb used with it is 'machen' (to make).
Die Firma machte einen strategischen Schachzug und senkte die Preise.
The company made a strategic move and lowered its prices.
step
'der Schritt' and 'der Schachzug' can both mean an action in a plan. 'der Schritt' is neutral: it is a single measure that is part of a larger process. 'der Schachzug' sounds more deliberate and strategic. You use it when an action is cleverly planned and someone wants to achieve a specific goal with it. Learners may confuse the words because both talk about decisions and actions. If you just mean a measure, 'Schritt' fits. If you want to emphasize the clever strategy, 'Schachzug' fits better.
Die frühe Preissenkung war ein kluger Schachzug der Firma.
The early price cut was a clever strategic move by the company.
Der nächste Schritt ist, alle Unterlagen für die Bewerbung zu sammeln.
The next step is to gather all the documents for the application.