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.
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
'die Aufgabe' and 'der Rücktritt' can both mean that someone stops doing something. The difference lies in the context. 'die Aufgabe' is more general and fits when someone does not continue an activity, a competition, or a position, often because of problems or lack of success. 'der Rücktritt' is especially used for an office, an official position, or a function. It often sounds political, professional, or public. The words can be confused because in a Rücktritt, a position is also given up. But it is more natural to talk about 'der Rücktritt einer Ministerin' (a minister's resignation), but 'die Aufgabe eines Plans' (the abandonment of a plan) or 'die Aufgabe eines Rennens' (withdrawal from a race).
Der Rücktritt des Bürgermeisters wurde am Morgen bekannt gegeben.
The mayor's resignation was announced in the morning.
Nach der Verletzung war die Aufgabe des Rennens leider die einzige Möglichkeit.
After the injury, withdrawing from the race was unfortunately the only option.