to fall behind / relapse
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to fall behind
To lose position or performance in a competition, development, or comparison with others and lose touch with the rest.
Nach seiner Verletzung ist der Sportler im Training weit hinter die anderen zurückgefallen.
After his injury, the athlete fell far behind the others in training.
'Zurückfallen' (to fall behind / relapse) is a separable verb. The prefix 'zurück' (back) comes at the end of the main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
Der Läufer fiel in der letzten Runde zurück.
The runner fell behind in the final lap.
Since 'zurückfallen' (to fall behind / relapse) describes a change of position or state, the perfect tense is always formed with the auxiliary verb 'sein' (to be).
Sie ist im Wettbewerb leider weit zurückgefallen.
Unfortunately, she has fallen far behind in the competition.
In the meaning 'den Anschluss verlieren' (to lose touch / fall behind), the verb is often used with the preposition 'hinter' (+ accusative) or in contexts such as sports, school, or business.
Das Unternehmen ist technologisch hinter die Konkurrenz zurückgefallen.
The company has fallen behind the competition technologically.
When referring to a relapse into an earlier state, the preposition 'in' (+ accusative) is always used. Typical contexts are habits, illnesses, or behavior patterns.
Nach dem Stress ist er wieder in seine alten Essgewohnheiten zurückgefallen.
After the stress, he relapsed into his old eating habits.
The meaning 'sich zurückziehen' (to withdraw) is used almost exclusively in military language.
Die Truppen sind auf eine besser zu verteidigende Position zurückgefallen.
The troops fell back to a position that was easier to defend.
step
'Schritt halten mit' and 'zurückfallen' are opposites here. Someone who keeps pace with someone or something stays at the same pace or level. Someone who 'zurückfällt' (falls behind) loses touch and is worse or slower than the others. This can happen in sports, at school, at work, or in a development. Remember: 'Schritt halten' means keeping up; 'zurückfallen' means losing touch with the rest.
Nach zwei Wochen ohne Unterricht fällt er in Mathe zurück.
After two weeks without lessons, he is falling behind in math.
Mit regelmäßigem Training hält sie mit der Gruppe Schritt.
With regular training, she keeps pace with the group.