01
retten
to rescue
To free someone or something from immediate danger or an emergency situation.
example
Die Feuerwehr konnte die Familie aus dem brennenden Haus retten.
The fire department was able to rescue the family from the burning house.
retten
to save / rescue
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 04
Usage tips
Word family
Important nouns are derived from the verb 'retten' (to save/rescue): 'die Rettung' (the act of saving or rescuing) and 'der Retter' or 'die Retterin' (the person who saves or rescues).
EXAMPLE
Die Rettung kam in letzter Sekunde.
Rescue came at the last second.
Important prepositions
When using 'retten' (to save/rescue), the prepositions are important. You rescue someone 'aus' (from/out of) a danger, e.g., a house, or save someone 'vor' (from) a danger, e.g., death. The danger is always in the dative.
EXAMPLE
Der Hund wurde aus dem eiskalten Wasser gerettet.
The dog was rescued from the ice-cold water.
Saving abstract things
'Retten' (to save) is also used for abstract things that are preserved from a negative ending. Typical expressions are 'den Tag retten' (to save the day), 'die Situation retten' (to save the situation), or 'die Ehre retten' (to save one's honor).
EXAMPLE
Als das Mikrofon ausfiel, hat der Techniker mit einer schnellen Reparatur den Tag gerettet.
When the microphone stopped working, the technician saved the day with a quick repair.
Reflexive: sich retten
The reflexive form 'sich retten' means that a person brings themselves to safety. A destination or place is often mentioned with a preposition like 'an' (to), 'auf' (onto), or 'in' (into).
EXAMPLE
Als das Schiff sank, konnten sich viele Passagiere auf die Rettungsboote retten.
When the ship sank, many passengers were able to save themselves by getting onto the lifeboats.
Digital context
In the digital age, 'retten' (to recover/save) has an important meaning in connection with computers. You can 'recover' or 'save' 'Daten' (data), 'Dateien' (files), or 'Fotos' (photos) from a damaged device.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Systemabsturz war ich froh, dass ich meine Dokumente retten konnte.
After the system crash, I was glad that I was able to recover my documents.
Compare with
retten vs erhalten
to receive / preserve / support
'erhalten' and 'retten' can both mean that something is not lost or destroyed. The difference lies in the situation. 'erhalten' is used when you preserve and care for something over a long time, for example a building, a tradition, or a condition. 'retten' fits when danger or failure is looming and you intervene quickly or actively. Learners may confuse the words because both are about protection. As a memory aid: 'erhalten' is more about long-term preservation, while 'retten' is help in an acute emergency.
retten
Die Feuerwehr rettete die Familie aus dem brennenden Haus.
The fire department rescued the family from the burning house.
erhalten
Die Stadt erhält das alte Theater, damit es nicht verfällt.
The city is preserving the old theater so that it does not fall into ruin.
In real life
Loading video examples...