etwas auf etwas zurückführen
to attribute to
To identify something as the cause or reason for something else.
EXAMPLE
Der Arzt führt die Symptome auf einen Vitaminmangel zurück.
The doctor attributes the symptoms to a vitamin deficiency.
zurückführen
to attribute / to lead back
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Meanings
zurückführen
to lead back
To bring or guide someone or something back to the starting point.
EXAMPLE
Der Hirte führte seine Schafe sicher in den Stall zurück.
The shepherd led his sheep safely back into the stable.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Zurückführen' is a separable verb. The prefix 'zurück-' separates from the stem verb 'führen' in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Der Polizist führte den Zeugen zum Tatort zurück.
The police officer led the witness back to the crime scene.
Fixed construction
In the meaning 'als Ursache sehen' (to see as the cause), the fixed structure 'etwas auf etwas zurückführen' (to attribute something to something) is always used. The preposition 'auf' introduces the reason or cause and requires the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Man kann viele moderne Probleme auf die Globalisierung zurückführen.
Many modern problems can be attributed to globalization.
Context clue
This meaning describes physical movement. In the sentence, there is usually an accusative object (who or what is being brought back?) and often an indication of place (to where?). Unlike the other meaning, the preposition 'auf' is absent here.
EXAMPLE
Der Bergführer führte die Wanderer sicher ins Tal zurück.
The mountain guide led the hikers safely back into the valley.
Compare with
zurückführen vs verursachen
to cause
„Verursachen“ presents a cause as an actual causal relationship. „Zurückführen“, by contrast, describes recognizing something as the cause or justifiably attributing it to that cause; this attribution can therefore be an assessment. Use „verursachen“ for the cause itself and „zurückführen“ for explaining its cause.
zurückführen
Die Ärztin führte ihre Kopfschmerzen auf den anhaltenden Stress zurück.
The doctor attributed her headaches to the ongoing stress.
verursachen
Der anhaltende Stress verursachte bei ihr starke Kopfschmerzen.
The ongoing stress caused her severe headaches.
In real life
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