resignation / withdrawal
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resignation
The voluntary giving up of an office, position, or function, usually for political or personal reasons.
Nach dem Skandal forderte die Opposition den sofortigen Rücktritt des Ministers.
After the scandal, the opposition demanded the minister's immediate resignation.
withdrawal
The cancellation of or withdrawal from a contractual agreement, registration, or participation.
Der Rücktritt von der gebuchten Reise ist nur bis 14 Tage vor Abreise kostenlos möglich.
Withdrawal from the booked trip is only possible free of charge up to 14 days before departure.
step back
In sports or dance, a step performed backward.
Beim Fechten ist ein schneller Rücktritt entscheidend, um einem Angriff auszuweichen.
In fencing, a quick step back is crucial for dodging an attack.
The word is made up of 'rück-' (from 'zurück', back) and 'der Tritt' (step). A 'Rück-tritt' is therefore literally a step back. This basic idea helps you understand all the meanings: you step back from an office, a contract, or simply on the floor.
Der Rücktritt des Politikers überraschte alle.
The politician's resignation surprised everyone.
'Der Rücktritt' (resignation/withdrawal) is the noun that belongs to the separable verb 'zurücktreten' (to step back; to resign; to withdraw). When a person resigns from an office, the result is their Rücktritt.
Der Minister ist gestern von seinem Amt zurückgetreten.
The minister resigned from his office yesterday.
In a political context, der Rücktritt (resignation) is often used with certain verbs: you can 'seinen Rücktritt erklären' (announce one's resignation) or 'einreichen' (submit it). Others can 'einen Rücktritt fordern' (demand a resignation).
Die Opposition forderte den Rücktritt der gesamten Regierung.
The opposition demanded the resignation of the entire government.
When you withdraw from a contract or agreement, the preposition 'von' + dative is almost always used. Typical examples are 'der Rücktritt von einer Reise' (withdrawal from a trip) or 'der Rücktritt vom Kaufvertrag' (withdrawal from the purchase contract).
Ein Rücktritt von der Prüfung ist nicht mehr möglich.
Withdrawal from the exam is no longer possible.
task / function / surrender
Both words can refer to voluntarily giving up a position. Aufgabe generally emphasizes someone relinquishing a position, while Rücktritt refers to the usual formal step of leaving an office or function. When talking about an official announcement, Rücktritt is usually the better choice; for the action or its result, Aufgabe is also possible.
Nach der öffentlichen Kritik kündigte die Ministerin ihren Rücktritt an.
Following the public criticism, the minister announced her resignation.
Die Aufgabe seiner Position als Teamleiter fiel ihm nach dem Streit schwer.
After the argument, he found it difficult to give up his position as team leader.
