tactic
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tactic / strategy
A planned approach for achieving a specific goal, especially in the military, in sports, or in business.
Die Fußballmannschaft überraschte den Gegner mit einer neuen Taktik.
The football team surprised their opponent with a new tactic.
The word family includes the adjective 'taktisch' (tactical; cleverly planned) and the noun 'der Taktiker' (a tactician, a person who can think well tactically). If you know 'Taktik' (tactic), you can understand these words more easily.
Sein taktisches Vorgehen bei der Verhandlung war sehr beeindruckend.
His tactical approach in the negotiation was very impressive.
The goal of a tactic is often described with an infinitive construction using 'um ... zu' (in order to ...). This construction explains what the tactic is meant to achieve.
Sie wählte die Taktik, lange zu schweigen, um ihn nervös zu machen.
She chose the tactic of remaining silent for a long time in order to make him nervous.
In the context of sports, the military, or business, 'Taktik' (tactic) is often combined with certain verbs: eine Taktik entwickeln (to develop a tactic), eine Taktik anwenden (to use a tactic), die Taktik ändern (to change the tactic), or eine Taktik verfolgen (to pursue a tactic).
Der Trainer entwickelte für das Finale eine komplett neue Taktik.
The coach developed a completely new tactic for the final.
When 'Taktik' (tactic) is used in a personal, everyday conversation, it often has the meaning of a cunning approach. It can then have a slightly negative or manipulative undertone.
Sein plötzliches Lob war reine Taktik, um mich zu überzeugen.
His sudden praise was pure tactic to convince me.
politics / policy
'die Politik' and 'die Taktik' can both describe a planned approach. 'Politik' is usually the general policy or strategy of a person, company, or group. 'Taktik' is often more concrete and short-term: you choose it in order to achieve a goal in a specific situation. Sometimes 'Taktik' also sounds somewhat clever or cunning, especially in conversations or negotiations. The words can be confused because both have to do with planning. 'Politik' fits better for a long-term direction, while 'Taktik' fits better for an individual approach in a situation.
Mila nutzt im Gespräch eine ruhige Taktik, damit der Kunde offen bleibt.
Mila uses a calm tactic in the conversation so that the customer stays open.
Die Politik des Vereins ist, junge Spieler langfristig zu fördern.
The club's policy is to support young players over the long term.