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.
retraction
The official withdrawal of a previously made statement, claim, or confession, often accompanied by the explanation that it was false.
Die Zeitung musste einen Widerruf drucken, nachdem sich die Anschuldigungen als falsch herausgestellt hatten.
The newspaper had to print a retraction after the accusations turned out to be false.
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.
resignation / withdrawal
Rücktritt and Widerruf can both undo a contractual commitment. Rücktritt is typically tied to an applicable contractual or legal reason. Widerruf is the formal withdrawal based on a specific right of withdrawal, for example for an online order within the prescribed period.
Innerhalb der vorgesehenen Frist erklärt sie den Widerruf ihrer Onlinebestellung.
Within the prescribed period, she exercises her right to cancel the online order.
Wegen eines vorgesehenen Rücktrittsgrundes erklärt sie den Rücktritt vom Kaufvertrag.
Because a valid reason for Rücktritt applies, she declares her withdrawal from the purchase contract.
