decline / receding
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decline
A reduction or decrease in something, for example in numbers, values, production, or interest. It describes a negative development or a reduction.
Das Unternehmen verzeichnete im letzten Quartal einen deutlichen Rückgang der Verkaufszahlen.
The company recorded a significant decline in sales figures in the last quarter.
The word is made up of 'rück-' (back) and 'der Gang' (movement). A 'Rückgang' is therefore literally a movement back, which describes both the decrease of numbers and physical backward movement.
Der Rückgang der Arbeitslosenzahlen ist ein positives Signal für die Wirtschaft.
The decline in unemployment figures is a positive signal for the economy.
In its most common meaning, 'Rückgang' is often used in economic or statistical contexts. Typical combinations are 'ein Rückgang der Preise' (a decline in prices), 'der Nachfrage' (in demand), or 'der Produktion' (in production). It is often described with adjectives such as 'deutlich' (significant), 'stark' (sharp), or 'leicht' (slight).
Die Firma meldet einen leichten Rückgang des Gewinns.
The company reports a slight decline in profit.
The rarer meaning of a physical backward movement is found mainly in connection with water or ice. Pay attention to phrases like 'der Rückgang des Hochwassers' (the receding of the floodwaters) or 'der Rückgang eines Gletschers' (the retreat of a glacier).
Nach dem Sturm begann der langsame Rückgang des Wasserspiegels.
After the storm, the slow receding of the water level began.
return
'die Rückkehr' and 'der Rückgang' both have something to do with 'zurück' (back), but they usually mean different things. 'Rückkehr' is used when someone or something comes back to a place, or when a previous state returns. 'Rückgang' normally means that a number, value, or amount becomes smaller. More rarely, 'Rückgang' can also refer to a movement back, but that sounds more formal and is not the most common use. Learners may confuse the words because both begin with 'Rück-'. Remember: 'Rückkehr' is a return, while 'Rückgang' is usually a decline.
Im Sommer gab es einen deutlichen Rückgang der Besucherzahlen im Hallenbad.
In the summer, there was a clear decline in visitor numbers at the indoor swimming pool.
Nach drei Monaten im Ausland freut sich Mehmet auf die Rückkehr zu seiner Familie.
After three months abroad, Mehmet is looking forward to returning to his family.