die Rückkehr
return
The act of coming back to a starting point or home.
EXAMPLE
Nach langer Reise freute er sich auf seine Rückkehr in die Heimat.
After a long journey, he was looking forward to his return to his homeland.
die Rückkehr
return
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Meanings
die Rückkehr
return
The restoration of a previous state or the resumption of a former activity.
EXAMPLE
Viele hoffen auf eine baldige Rückkehr zur Normalität.
Many people are hoping for a quick return to normality.
Usage tips
Word structure
'Rückkehr' (return) is a noun derived from the separable verb 'zurückkehren' (to return). It is made up of 'Rück-' (from 'zurück', back) and 'kehr' (from the verb 'kehren', which here means 'to turn'). It describes the action of coming back.
EXAMPLE
Niemand rechnete mit seiner plötzlichen Rückkehr.
No one expected his sudden return.
Important prepositions
The preposition after 'Rückkehr' (return) depends on the destination. You use 'nach' for places without an article (cities, countries), 'in' for places with an article, and 'zu' for states or activities.
EXAMPLE
Die Rückkehr nach Deutschland war für sie ein großer Schritt.
The return to Germany was a big step for her.
Abstract use
In the figurative meaning, 'Rückkehr' (return) is often used for the restoration of a previous state. Typical phrases are 'die Rückkehr zur Normalität' (the return to normality) or 'die Rückkehr in den Beruf' (the return to work).
EXAMPLE
Nach der Krise wünschten sich alle eine schnelle Rückkehr zur Normalität.
After the crisis, everyone wanted a quick return to normality.
Compare with
Rückkehr vs Comeback
comeback
Both words can refer to resuming an earlier activity after a break. Rückkehr is neutral, while Comeback places more emphasis on the public attention surrounding a person. Rückkehr suits a factual statement, whereas Comeback is more appropriate when there is strong public interest.
Rückkehr
Nach zwei Jahren Pause kündigte die Sängerin ihre Rückkehr auf die Bühne an.
After a two-year break, the singer announced her return to the stage.
Comeback
Nach zwei Jahren Pause feierte die Sängerin ein viel beachtetes Comeback auf der Bühne.
After a two-year break, the singer made a much-publicized comeback on stage.
In real life
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