01
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
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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 erklären
to explain / declare
'erklären' and 'zurückführen' can both be used when you name the reason for something. 'sich erklären' means that something becomes understandable through a reason. 'etwas auf etwas zurückführen' is more specific: you directly state what cause lies behind a result or problem. 'zurückführen' often sounds a bit more factual and fits well in reports, medicine, science, or analyses. In everyday speech, 'erklären' is often simpler and more natural if you only want to say why something happened.
zurückführen
Der Arzt führt die Kopfschmerzen auf zu wenig Schlaf zurück.
The doctor attributes the headaches to too little sleep.
erklären
Die Verspätung erklärt sich durch den starken Verkehr am Morgen.
The delay is explained by the heavy morning traffic.
In real life
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