retrospect / glance back
Loading your saved state.
retrospect / review
A mental or presentational look at past events or a previous period of time.
Im Rückblick war die Entscheidung, den Job zu wechseln, genau die richtige.
In retrospect, the decision to change jobs was exactly the right one.
The word is made up of the prefix 'rück-' (back) and 'der Blick' (look/glance). So it literally means 'a look back,' which explains both the mental and the physical action.
Ein Rückblick auf seine Kindheit machte ihn nachdenklich.
A look back at his childhood made him thoughtful.
In the abstract meaning, 'Rückblick' is often used with prepositions. Very common are 'im Rückblick' (in retrospect) and 'ein Rückblick auf' + accusative (a review of).
Im Rückblick war es eine gute Zeit.
In retrospect, it was a good time.
The literal meaning of looking back is often recognizable from a description of the physical action, for example through the phrase 'ein Rückblick über die Schulter' (a glance back over the shoulder).
Mit einem schnellen Rückblick vergewisserte sie sich, dass die Tür geschlossen war.
With a quick glance back, she made sure that the door was closed.
memory / reminder
'die Erinnerung' and 'der Rückblick' both have to do with the past. An 'Erinnerung' is something that stays in your mind: an image, a feeling, or a piece of information. A 'Rückblick' is more like a deliberate look back at a period of time or an event, often with structure or evaluation. The words can be confused because a review can consist of memories. 'Erinnerung' is more suitable for personal moments. 'Rückblick' is more suitable for reports, conversations, or texts about a past period of time.
Am Ende des Projekts gab Herr Schneider einen kurzen Rückblick auf die letzten Monate.
At the end of the project, Mr. Schneider gave a brief review of the past few months.
Die Erinnerung an den Sommerurlaub macht Lisa immer noch glücklich.
The memory of the summer vacation still makes Lisa happy.