01
zurückfahren
to drive back
To return to the starting point of a trip in a vehicle.
example
Nach dem Ausflug sind wir am Abend wieder nach Hause zurückgefahren.
After the outing, we drove back home again in the evening.
zurückfahren
to drive back / reduce
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Zurückfahren' (to drive back / reduce) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'zurück' goes at the end. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Wann fährst du heute Abend zurück?
When are you driving back tonight?
Choice of auxiliary verb
The perfect tense is formed with 'sein' when movement back to the starting point is meant. When something is reduced or an object is moved, 'haben' is used.
EXAMPLE
Wir sind nach dem Urlaub direkt nach Hause zurückgefahren.
We drove straight back home after the vacation.
Context clue
You can recognize the figurative meaning 'reduzieren' (to reduce) from the object. If it is about abstract things like 'Produktion' (production), 'Kosten' (costs), or 'Ausgaben' (expenses), this meaning is intended. With places or vehicles, it is about literal movement.
EXAMPLE
Das Unternehmen muss die Produktion zurückfahren, um Kosten zu sparen.
The company has to reduce production in order to save costs.
Compare with
zurückfahren vs erhöhen
to increase
'erhöhen' and 'zurückfahren' can be opposites when talking about quantities, costs, production, or activities. 'erhöhen' means that something becomes greater or is made stronger. In this context, 'zurückfahren' means that you reduce something or do less of it. 'zurückfahren' often sounds natural when a company or a person deliberately scales down an activity, for example expenses, work, or production. 'erhöhen' fits when the value or scope is supposed to increase.
zurückfahren
Wegen der hohen Kosten fährt das Unternehmen seine Ausgaben zurück.
Because of the high costs, the company is scaling back its expenses.
erhöhen
Die Schule erhöht die Zahl der Deutschkurse im neuen Jahr.
The school is increasing the number of German courses in the new year.
In real life
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