der Rückwärtsgang
reverse gear
The gear in a vehicle that makes it possible to drive backward.
EXAMPLE
Der Fahrer legte den Rückwärtsgang ein, um einzuparken.
The driver put the car into reverse gear in order to park.
der Rückwärtsgang
reverse gear
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Meanings
der Rückwärtsgang
reverse gear
Figuratively, a reversal or step backward that undoes previous progress.
EXAMPLE
Nach den erfolgreichen Reformen legte die neue Regierung politisch den Rückwärtsgang ein.
After the successful reforms, the new government politically shifted into reverse gear.
Usage tips
Compound word
The word is made up of three parts: 'rückwärts' (backward), the linking sound '-s-', and 'Gang' (gear). So it literally means a 'gear' with which you drive 'backward'.
EXAMPLE
Beim Einparken muss man den Rückwärtsgang benutzen.
When parking, you have to use reverse gear.
Typical expression
The fixed expression for both meanings is 'den Rückwärtsgang einlegen' (to put into reverse gear). This applies both to driving a car and to a figurative step backward.
EXAMPLE
Um aus der Parklücke zu kommen, musste er den Rückwärtsgang einlegen.
To get out of the parking space, he had to put the car into reverse gear.
Context clue
You can tell whether the literal or figurative meaning is intended from the context. If it is about vehicles and driving, the technical meaning is meant. If it is about politics, society, or development, it means a step backward.
EXAMPLE
Das Getriebe ist kaputt, ich kann den Rückwärtsgang nicht mehr einlegen.
The transmission is broken; I can't put it into reverse gear anymore.
Compare with
Rückwärtsgang vs Rückschritt
setback / regression
Both words can describe a development returning to a worse earlier state. Rückschritt can also refer to a single loss or setback, whereas Rückwärtsgang figuratively emphasizes deliberately reversing progress made so far. Use Rückschritt for the result and Rückwärtsgang when the reversal of the development is the main focus.
Rückwärtsgang
Mit den neuen Kürzungen legt die Stadt beim Umweltschutz den Rückwärtsgang ein.
With the new cuts, the city is putting environmental protection into reverse.
Rückschritt
Der Verlust dieses wichtigen Projekts ist ein großer Rückschritt für die Firma.
The loss of this important project is a major setback for the company.
In real life
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