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.
to leave behind
To leave a lasting effect, feeling, or state behind.
Der Film hat bei mir einen tiefen Eindruck zurückgelassen.
The film left a deep impression on me.
to leave behind
To leave something behind for posterity or future generations, for example a legacy or a body of work.
Die Künstlerin hat ein beeindruckendes Lebenswerk zurückgelassen.
The artist left behind an impressive life's work.
'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 leave / rely
Both verbs can say that someone leaves a place or person behind. „Verlassen“ mainly presents the subject’s departure, while „zurücklassen“ emphasizes that someone or something remains at the place. Choose „zurücklassen“ when this remaining behind is important.
Nach dem Streit ging Anna nach Hause und ließ ihre Freundin allein zurück.
After the argument, Anna went home and left her friend there alone.
Nach dem Streit verließ Anna ihre Freundin und ging nach Hause.
After the argument, Anna left her friend and went home.
