01
zurück
back
Expresses movement toward the starting point or a previous place.
example
Wann kommst du aus dem Urlaub zurück?
When are you coming back from vacation?
zurück
back
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Common separable prefix
'Zurück' (back) is one of the most common separable prefixes. It adds the meaning of 'back' or 'again' to the base verb and forms many everyday verbs.
EXAMPLE
Ich muss dir dein Buch zurückgeben.
I have to give your book back to you.
Sentence structure with 'zurück-'
As a separable prefix, 'zurück' comes at the end of the main clause. In subordinate clauses that begin with conjunctions like 'weil' (because) or 'dass' (that), it remains attached to the verb at the end of the clause.
EXAMPLE
Er kommt heute Abend spät zurück.
He is coming back late this evening.
Expressing a reaction
Many verbs with 'zurück-' describe a reaction to a previous action. This often corresponds to the English prefix 're-'.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe ihm eine E-Mail geschickt, aber er hat nicht zurückgeschrieben.
I sent him an email, but he didn't write back.
Distance in time
To express how far in the past something is, German uses the structure '[time expression] + zurückliegen'. The adverb 'zurück' then comes at the end of the sentence or clause.
EXAMPLE
Der Unfall liegt schon einige Jahre zurück.
The accident happened several years ago.
Compare with
zurück vs wieder
again / back
'wieder' and 'zurück' can both have to do with returning. 'zurück' usually emphasizes the direction toward the starting point or to a previous place. 'wieder' emphasizes that a previous state is present again or that something is happening again. You can say: 'Ich gehe zurück nach Hause' (I’m going back home) for the movement. 'Ich bin wieder zu Hause' (I’m back home / I’m home again) says more that the state is now as it was before. They can be confused because both can fit with returning, but 'zurück' shows direction, while 'wieder' shows repetition or the old state.
zurück
Er geht zurück zum Supermarkt, weil er seine Tasche vergessen hat.
He is going back to the supermarket because he forgot his bag.
wieder
Nach zwei Wochen Urlaub bin ich wieder im Büro.
After two weeks of vacation, I’m back in the office.
In real life
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