backlog / deficit / residue
Loading your saved state.
backlog
A task that has not yet been completed, an unpaid bill, or another form of deficit. You are behind with something.
Er muss am Wochenende arbeiten, um seinen Rückstand bei dem Projekt aufzuholen.
He has to work on the weekend to catch up on his backlog in the project.
deficit
The difference in points or goals in a sporting competition when a team or player is behind the opponent.
Die Mannschaft konnte einen Zwei-Tore-Rückstand in der zweiten Halbzeit noch aufholen.
The team was still able to make up a two-goal deficit in the second half.
residue
A small amount of a substance that remains after a process or reaction. This is often used in chemical or ecological contexts.
Bei der Laboranalyse wurden Rückstände von Pestiziden im Gemüse gefunden.
During the laboratory analysis, residues of pesticides were found in the vegetables.
'Rückstand' consists of 'rück-' (back) and 'der Stand' (state, level). It describes a state in which one has 'fallen behind' a target state or an opponent.
Durch seine Krankheit ist er mit den Hausaufgaben in Rückstand geraten.
Because of his illness, he fell behind with his homework.
In connection with work or payments, there are fixed expressions. You can say 'im Rückstand sein' (to be behind/in arrears) or 'in Rückstand geraten' (to fall behind). To end the deficit, you have to 'den Rückstand aufholen' (catch up on the backlog).
Ich bin mit meinen Rechnungen im Rückstand.
I am behind on my bills.
In a sports context, 'Rückstand' describes the gap to the leader. Typical phrases are 'in Rückstand geraten' (to fall behind), 'einen Rückstand aufholen' (to make up a deficit), or 'mit einem Rückstand in die Pause gehen' (to go into the break trailing).
Die Mannschaft geriet schon nach fünf Minuten in Rückstand.
The team fell behind after just five minutes.
This meaning is used almost exclusively in scientific, technical, or ecological contexts. It refers to material remains that are left over after a process, often in connection with the preposition 'von' (of/from).
Die Analyse zeigte Rückstände von Mikroplastik im Trinkwasser.
The analysis showed residues of microplastics in the drinking water.
rest / remainder
Rest is a general term for an amount that remains after something has been used up. Rückstand is especially suitable for a small amount of a substance that remains or settles after a process. „Rest“ is therefore neutral for unused soup, while „Rückstand“ is more appropriate for the greasy layer at the bottom of the pot.
Nach dem Kochen blieb ein fettiger Rückstand am Topfboden.
A greasy residue remained on the bottom of the pot after cooking.
Nach dem Essen blieb ein Rest Suppe im Topf.
Some soup was left in the pot after the meal.
