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.
to recover
To make valuable raw materials from waste products or used materials usable again. This is a central process in recycling.
Durch moderne Verfahren kann man aus Elektroschrott seltene Metalle zurückgewinnen.
With modern processes, rare metals can be recovered from electronic waste.
'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 recapture
Zurückgewinnen and zurückerobern can both mean regaining lost trust. Zurückgewinnen is neutral and generally appropriate, while zurückerobern emphasizes special effort or a figurative struggle. In an ordinary relationship situation, zurückgewinnen is usually the better choice; zurückerobern sounds more combative.
Mit ehrlichen Gesprächen konnte sie langsam das Vertrauen ihrer Freundin zurückgewinnen.
Through honest conversations, she was slowly able to regain her friend's trust.
Nach dem Streit wollte er das Vertrauen seiner Freundin mit viel Geduld zurückerobern.
After the argument, he wanted to win back his friend's trust with a great deal of patience.
