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
rückwärtig
backward
Describes a movement that is directed backward.
EXAMPLE
Durch eine schnelle rückwärtige Bewegung konnte er dem Ball ausweichen.
With a quick backward movement, he was able to dodge the ball.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry rückwärtig, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
Comparison
| basic form | rückwärtig |
|---|
After der, die, das
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -e | -e | -e | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -e | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to rückwärtig.
After ein, eine
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to rückwärtig.
Without article
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -e |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -e |
| dat. | -em | -er | -em | -en |
| gen. | -en | -er | -en | -er |
Add the ending to rückwärtig.
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 rückwärts
backward
Rückwärts is an adverb and directly indicates the direction in which someone or something is moving. Rückwärtig is an adjective and describes a movement directed toward the rear. That is why you say rückwärts fahren, but eine rückwärtige Bewegung (a backward movement).
rückwärtig
Das Auto macht eine langsame rückwärtige Bewegung.
The car is making a slow backward movement.
rückwärts
Das Auto bewegt sich langsam rückwärts.
The car is slowly moving backward.
In real life
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