01
rückwärtig
rear
Describes something that is located on the back side or in the rear part of something.
example
Der rückwärtige Ausgang des Theaters führt direkt in den Park.
The rear exit of the theater leads directly into the park.
rückwärtig
rear / backward
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The word consists of 'rück-' (back) and the ending '-wärtig', which indicates a position or direction. You also find this ending in words like 'vorwärtig' (forward) or 'seitwärtig' (sideward).
EXAMPLE
Bitte benutzen Sie den seitwärtigen Eingang.
Please use the side entrance.
Adverbial use
'Rückwärtig' can also be used as an adverb to describe the manner of a movement. It then remains unchanged after the verb.
EXAMPLE
Der Fahrer musste das Auto rückwärtig in die enge Parklücke manövrieren.
The driver had to maneuver the car backward into the narrow parking space.
Typical collocations
In its static meaning, 'rückwärtig' is often used to describe parts of buildings or properties. Typical combinations are 'der rückwärtige Eingang' (the rear entrance), 'der rückwärtige Garten' (the rear garden), or 'die rückwärtige Fassade' (the rear façade).
EXAMPLE
Vom rückwärtigen Balkon hat man einen schönen Blick auf den Hof.
From the rear balcony, you have a nice view of the courtyard.
Context: movement
When 'rückwärtig' describes a movement, it often appears with nouns such as 'Bewegung' (movement), 'Schritt' (step), or 'Salto' (somersault). It emphasizes the direction backward.
EXAMPLE
Der Turner beendete seine Übung mit einem perfekten rückwärtigen Salto.
The gymnast finished his routine with a perfect backward somersault.
Compare with
rückwärtig vs hinter
behind
'hinter' and 'rückwärtig' both refer to the back side or a direction toward the back. 'hinter' is a very common preposition and says where something is or where something is moving: 'hinter dem Haus' (behind the house), 'hinter die Tür' (behind the door). 'rückwärtig' is an adjective and describes a part or a movement: 'der rückwärtige Eingang' (the rear entrance), 'eine rückwärtige Bewegung' (a backward movement). Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with 'hinten' (at the back / behind). In practical terms: with a place or destination, you usually use 'hinter'; when describing a noun more precisely, 'rückwärtig' can fit, but it sounds more formal.
rückwärtig
Der Lieferant benutzt den rückwärtigen Eingang des Geschäfts.
The delivery person uses the rear entrance of the shop.
hinter
Der Fahrradständer steht hinter dem Bürogebäude.
The bike rack is behind the office building.
In real life
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