homecoming
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homecoming
The return home, especially after a long period of absence, such as after a long journey, a war, or a stay abroad.
Die ganze Familie versammelte sich, um die Heimkehr ihrer Tochter aus Australien zu feiern.
The whole family gathered to celebrate their daughter's homecoming from Australia.
'Heimkehr' (homecoming) is a compound noun made up of 'Heim' (a somewhat poetic form of 'Zuhause' — home) and 'Kehr' (from 'kehren' in the sense of 'zurückkehren' — to return). So it literally means 'the return home'.
Nach seiner langen Reise freute er sich auf die Heimkehr.
After his long journey, he looked forward to his homecoming.
The word has an emotional or slightly formal tone. It is used for returning after a long, meaningful absence, not for coming home from work every day.
Die Heimkehr des Soldaten wurde von seiner Familie sehnsüchtig erwartet.
The soldier's homecoming was eagerly awaited by his family.
Common verbs and adjectives used with 'Heimkehr' (homecoming) include 'die Heimkehr feiern' (to celebrate the homecoming), 'auf die Heimkehr warten' (to wait for the homecoming), and 'die glückliche Heimkehr' (the happy homecoming).
Wir planen eine große Party, um seine Heimkehr zu feiern.
We are planning a big party to celebrate his homecoming.
return
Rückkehr refers neutrally to coming back to a starting point or home. Heimkehr specifically means returning home, especially after a long absence, and can have an elevated or emotional tone. Only Rückkehr is suitable for other destinations; when the emphasis is on coming home, both are possible, but Heimkehr is more expressive.
Nach vielen Jahren im Ausland feierte die Familie ihre Heimkehr.
After many years abroad, the family celebrated their homecoming.
Nach der Dienstreise meldete sie ihrem Büro ihre Rückkehr.
After the business trip, she informed her office of her return.
