to recapture
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to recapture
To regain possession of an area, city, or position that had been lost through fighting or military effort.
Die Armee konnte die strategisch wichtige Stadt nach wochenlangen Kämpfen zurückerobern.
The army was able to recapture the strategically important city after weeks of fighting.
'Zurückerobern' (to recapture/regain) is a separable verb. The prefix 'zurück-' goes to the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
Die Mannschaft eroberte den Ball schnell zurück.
The team quickly won the ball back.
The object of the verb indicates the meaning. With military objects such as 'Stadt' (city) or 'Gebiet' (area/territory), the literal meaning is intended. With abstract objects such as 'Vertrauen' (trust) or 'Marktanteil' (market share), the figurative meaning is intended. In sports, the object is usually 'der Ball' (the ball).
Die Rebellen wollten die Hauptstadt zurückerobern.
The rebels wanted to recapture the capital.
The verb 'zurückerobern' (to recapture/regain) is transitive and always requires an accusative object. So you always have to say what is being recaptured or regained.
Nach der Pause eroberte die Heimmannschaft die Kontrolle über das Spiel zurück.
After the break, the home team won back control of the game.
In the figurative meaning, the verb is often used with abstract nouns. Typical combinations are 'das Vertrauen zurückerobern' (to regain trust), 'die Herzen der Wähler zurückerobern' (to win back the voters' hearts), or 'seine Position zurückerobern' (to regain one's position).
Der Politiker versucht, das Vertrauen der Bürger zurückzuerobern.
The politician is trying to regain the citizens' trust.
to lose
'verlieren' and 'zurückerobern' stand in contrast when you no longer have something and then get it back through effort. 'verlieren' can mean being defeated in a competition, or losing a position or control. 'zurückerobern' sounds stronger: you win something back, often after a fight, pressure, or great effort. The word fits areas or territories, a leading position, trust, or, in sports, the ball.
Kurz vor dem Tor erobert der Verteidiger den Ball zurück.
Just before the goal, the defender wins the ball back.
Nach der Arbeit wirst du die Konzentration schnell verlieren, wenn du keine Pause machst.
After work, you will quickly lose concentration if you do not take a break.