revocation / retraction
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revocation
The formal withdrawal of a legally binding declaration, contract, or order. In particular, the statutory right of consumers to reverse contracts concluded online or outside business premises.
Der Widerruf des Kaufvertrags muss schriftlich innerhalb von 14 Tagen erfolgen.
The revocation of the purchase contract must be made in writing within 14 days.
The word is made up of the prefix 'wider' (against) and the noun 'der Ruf' (the call). A 'Widerruf' (revocation/retraction) is therefore literally a 'counter-call,' a declaration directed against an earlier statement or a contract.
Sein Widerruf der Anschuldigung wurde in allen Zeitungen gedruckt.
His retraction of the accusation was printed in all the newspapers.
The noun 'der Widerruf' (the revocation/retraction) belongs to the separable verb 'widerrufen' (to revoke/retract). The noun describes the result or the action of the verb. When you revoke or retract something, you send a 'Widerruf' (revocation/retraction).
Ich möchte meine Bestellung widerrufen.
I would like to cancel my order.
The phrase 'bis auf Widerruf' is very common and means 'until further notice' or 'for the time being.' It is often used in official notices.
Das Angebot gilt bis auf Widerruf.
The offer is valid until further notice.
In legal and commercial contexts, people often speak of the 'Recht auf Widerruf' (right of revocation/right to cancel). To use this right, one can 'Widerruf einlegen' (file a revocation) or 'einen Widerruf erklären' (declare a revocation).
Als Online-Kunde haben Sie ein gesetzliches Recht auf Widerruf.
As an online customer, you have a statutory right of revocation.
You can often recognize this meaning from words like 'Aussage' (statement), 'Geständnis' (confession), 'Behauptung' (claim), or 'Anschuldigung' (accusation). It is about taking back something said or written as false.
Der Zeuge wurde zum Widerruf seiner falschen Aussage gezwungen.
The witness was forced to retract his false statement.
contradiction / objection
'der Widerspruch' and 'der Widerruf' can both appear in formal situations, but they do not mean the same thing. With a 'Widerspruch', you officially say that you do not agree with a decision or claim. A 'Widerruf', on the other hand, means that you officially withdraw your own declaration, order, or statement. The words are easy to confuse because both often appear with authorities, contracts, or legal topics. Remember: with a 'Widerspruch', you defend yourself against something; with a 'Widerruf', you take something back.
Der Widerruf der Online-Bestellung ist bis morgen noch möglich.
The revocation of the online order is still possible until tomorrow.
Er legt Widerspruch gegen die Entscheidung der Schule ein.
He files an objection against the school's decision.