to leave behind
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to leave behind
To leave someone or something in a place and go away without them or it. This can happen intentionally or unintentionally.
Beim Umzug haben wir aus Versehen eine Kiste im alten Haus zurückgelassen.
During the move, we accidentally left a box behind in the old house.
'Zurücklassen' (to leave behind) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'zurück' goes at the end. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
Er lässt eine Nachricht für seine Kollegen zurück.
He leaves a message behind for his colleagues.
The verb is made up of the prefix 'zurück' (back) and the verb 'lassen' (to leave). The meaning 'etwas hinter sich lassen' (to leave something behind you) is therefore very literal.
Die Flut hat eine Spur der Zerstörung zurückgelassen.
The flood left behind a trail of destruction.
The meaning depends strongly on the object. If it is a concrete thing or person, the literal meaning is intended. With abstract nouns like 'Eindruck' (impression) or 'Gefühl' (feeling), it is about a lasting effect.
Bitte lassen Sie den Schlüssel auf dem Tisch zurück.
Please leave the key behind on the table.
In the figurative meaning, the verb is often combined with abstract nouns. Typical phrases are 'einen Eindruck zurücklassen' (to leave an impression), 'Spuren zurücklassen' (to leave traces), or 'ein Gefühl zurücklassen' (to leave a feeling).
Seine freundliche Art hat bei allen einen positiven Eindruck zurückgelassen.
His friendly manner left a positive impression on everyone.
to let / to have
'lassen' and 'zurücklassen' can both mean that you do not take something with you. 'lassen' is more general: you can leave a bag at home or leave a key at the office. 'zurücklassen' is more precise when someone or something stays in one place and you yourself go away. It puts stronger emphasis on going away without that person or thing. Learners may confuse the words because both can fit in such situations. If only the place is important, 'lassen' is often enough. If the difference between going away and staying behind is important, 'zurücklassen' is clearer.
Auf der Reise hat sie ihr Ladegerät im Hotel zurückgelassen.
On the trip, she left her charger behind at the hotel.
Ich lasse meinen Rucksack heute im Büro.
I'm leaving my backpack at the office today.