die Rückgabe
return
The process of giving an item back to the place or person from whom you received, bought, or borrowed it.
EXAMPLE
Die Rückgabe der Ware ist innerhalb von 14 Tagen möglich.
The return of the goods is possible within 14 days.
die Rückgabe
return / restitution
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Meanings
die Rückgabe
restitution
The official return of property, especially artworks or real estate, to the rightful owners or their heirs, often in the context of historical injustice.
EXAMPLE
Das Museum verhandelt über die Rückgabe der kolonialen Raubkunst.
The museum is negotiating the restitution of the colonial looted art.
die Rückgabe
back pass
In sports, especially ball sports, playing the ball back to the teammate from whom you received it, or back to your own goalkeeper.
EXAMPLE
Die ungenaue Rückgabe zum Torwart führte beinahe zu einem Gegentor.
The inaccurate back pass to the goalkeeper almost led to a goal against them.
Usage tips
Word composition
The word consists of the prefix 'Rück-' (back) and the noun 'Gabe' (from the verb 'geben' (to give)). So it literally describes a 'giving back'.
EXAMPLE
Bitte denken Sie an die rechtzeitige Rückgabe der ausgeliehenen Werkzeuge.
Please remember to return the borrowed tools on time.
Context clue
The context makes the meaning clear. In a shop or library, it is about the return of goods or books. In a museum or in politics, it is about the restitution of art or property. In sports, it is about playing the ball back.
EXAMPLE
Die Rückgabe des online gekauften Kleides war unkompliziert.
Returning the dress bought online was straightforward.
Typical collocations
In everyday contexts, people often speak of the 'Frist für die Rückgabe' (deadline for return) or say that 'Rückgabe ausgeschlossen' (returns excluded) applies. 'Rückgabe von Leergut' (return of deposit bottles) is also a fixed expression.
EXAMPLE
Bei reduzierten Artikeln ist die Rückgabe meist ausgeschlossen.
For reduced items, returns are usually excluded.
Register and usage
In this meaning, 'Rückgabe' (restitution) belongs to a formal, often legal or political register. Typical verbs are 'die Rückgabe fordern' (to demand restitution) or 'über die Rückgabe verhandeln' (to negotiate restitution).
EXAMPLE
Die Erben fordern die Rückgabe eines wertvollen Gemäldes.
The heirs are demanding the restitution of a valuable painting.
Compare with
Rückgabe vs Herausgabe
release / publication
„Herausgabe“ and „Rückgabe“ can both mean that someone hands over a requested item. „Rückgabe“ is especially appropriate when the item goes back to the person or place it came from. „Herausgabe“ is more general and emphasizes the demanded handover; „Rückgabe“ is also commonly used for historical property.
Rückgabe
Die Rückgabe des geliehenen Fahrrads an seinen Besitzer war für Freitag vereinbart.
The return of the borrowed bicycle to its owner had been arranged for Friday.
Herausgabe
Die Herausgabe des gefundenen Fahrrads an die Polizei wurde sofort verlangt.
The police immediately demanded that the found bicycle be handed over to them.
In real life
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