back / return
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back / return
A word of French origin meaning 'zurück' (back). It is mainly used in postal and travel contexts to refer to returning goods or to a return journey.
Wenn das Paket nicht zugestellt werden kann, geht es an den Absender retour.
If the package cannot be delivered, it goes back to the sender.
there and back
A fixed expression that describes an outward and return journey or a round-trip flight ticket.
Einmal nach Wien und retour, bitte.
One ticket to Vienna and back, please.
The word 'retour' comes from French and is used in German mainly in certain contexts such as postal services, commerce ('Retouren' — returns), or travel. In Austria, it is also more common in everyday speech.
Sie können die Ware innerhalb von 14 Tagen kostenlos retour schicken.
You can return the goods free of charge within 14 days.
As an adverb, 'retour' usually comes at the end of the sentence or clause. It describes the direction of an action.
Der Brief kam mit dem Vermerk „Empfänger unbekannt“ retour.
The letter came back marked 'recipient unknown.'
In the meaning 'zurück' (back), 'retour' is often combined with verbs of movement or sending. Typical phrases are 'retour schicken' (to send back), 'retour senden' (to return/send back), 'retour gehen' (to go back/be returned), or 'retour kommen' (to come back).
Wenn Ihnen die Jacke nicht passt, schicken Sie sie einfach an uns retour.
If the jacket doesn't fit you, simply send it back to us.
The expression 'hin und retour' is a fixed unit and means 'for the outward journey and the return journey.' It is used almost exclusively when buying train tickets or plane tickets.
Was kostet eine Fahrkarte nach Berlin, hin und retour?
How much is a ticket to Berlin, there and back?
back
Zurück and retour can both refer to movement toward the place of departure. Zurück is the general standard form. Retour is used mainly in travel and postal contexts and is particularly common in Austria and Switzerland.
Nach dem Ausflug fahren wir in Österreich retour zum Hotel.
After the trip, we drive retour to the hotel in Austria.
Nach dem Ausflug fahren wir in Deutschland zurück zum Hotel.
After the trip, we drive back to the hotel in Germany.
