to regain / recover
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to regain
To bring something that one has lost back into one's possession or under one's control. This can refer to material things, but also to abstract concepts such as trust, health, or market share.
Nach der Verletzung kämpfte der Sportler hart, um seine alte Form zurückzugewinnen.
After the injury, the athlete fought hard to regain his old form.
'Zurückgewinnen' (to regain / recover) is a separable verb. The prefix 'zurück-' comes at the end in a main clause, while it remains attached to the verb in a subordinate clause. In the infinitive with 'zu', 'zu' comes between the prefix and the verb.
Die Firma gewinnt langsam Marktanteile zurück.
The company is slowly regaining market share.
The word is made up of 'zurück' (back) and 'gewinnen' (to win/gain). The meaning is therefore literal: to 'win/gain again' something that one had lost.
Nach dem Streit will er seine Freundin zurückgewinnen.
After the argument, he wants to win his girlfriend back.
This meaning is often used with abstract things that one wants to regain. Common combinations are: das Vertrauen, die Kontrolle, die Unabhängigkeit, or die Lebensfreude zurückgewinnen (to regain trust, control, independence, or joy in life).
Nach der Krise musste die Regierung das Vertrauen der Bevölkerung zurückgewinnen.
After the crisis, the government had to regain the population's trust.
In the context of recycling and environmental technology, 'zurückgewinnen' (to recover) is often used with the preposition 'aus' (from). Raw materials are recovered from waste products.
Es ist möglich, aus altem Plastik wertvolle Materialien zurückzugewinnen.
It is possible to recover valuable materials from old plastic.
to lose
'verlieren' and 'zurückgewinnen' are often opposites. With 'verlieren', you no longer have something: for example a key, a job, trust, or an ability. 'zurückgewinnen' is used when you get something lost back or bring it back under control. This can be an object, but also something abstract like health or trust. First you lose something; later you may perhaps regain it.
Nach der langen Pause hat die Mannschaft ihr Selbstvertrauen zurückgewonnen.
After the long break, the team regained its self-confidence.
Im Park verlieren wir manchmal schnell den Überblick über unsere Sachen.
In the park, we sometimes quickly lose track of our things.