zurückliegend
past
Refers to a time or event that took place in the past.
EXAMPLE
In den zurückliegenden Monaten hat sich die wirtschaftliche Lage verbessert.
In recent months, the economic situation has improved.
zurückliegend
past / set back
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Meanings
zurückliegend
set back
Describes something that is located farther back or away from a front line or main area.
EXAMPLE
Das Haus hat einen großen, etwas zurückliegenden Garten.
The house has a large garden that is set back a little.
Usage tips
Word structure
'Zurückliegend' is the present participle of the verb 'zurückliegen'. This verb literally means 'to lie behind something' or, figuratively, 'to lie in the past'.
EXAMPLE
Das Ereignis liegt nun schon einige Jahre zurück.
The event already took place several years ago.
Context clue
The noun that 'zurückliegend' describes reveals the meaning. If it refers to time (e.g., 'Jahr' (year), 'Monat' (month)), it is about the past. If it refers to a place (e.g., 'Garten' (garden), 'Gebäude' (building)), it is about spatial position.
EXAMPLE
Das zurückliegende Jahr war für die Firma sehr erfolgreich.
The past year was very successful for the company.
Typical collocations
In the time-related meaning, the word is often combined with nouns such as 'Woche' (week), 'Monat' (month), 'Jahr' (year), 'Zeitraum' (period), or 'Geschäftsjahr' (fiscal year).
EXAMPLE
Wir analysieren die Verkaufszahlen des zurückliegenden Quartals.
We are analyzing the sales figures from the past quarter.
Register
The time-related use of 'zurückliegend' is typical of written language, especially in reports, news, or formal summaries.
EXAMPLE
In der zurückliegenden Sendung haben wir über dieses Thema berichtet.
In the previous broadcast, we reported on this topic.
Compare with
zurückliegend vs vergangen
past
“Vergangen” and “zurückliegend” both refer to earlier times or events. “Vergangen” is neutral and often emphasizes that something is over; “zurückliegend” often establishes a connection from the present to an earlier period and is particularly suitable in factual retrospectives.
zurückliegend
Der Bericht bewertet die Entwicklung im zurückliegenden Jahr.
The report evaluates developments over the past year.
vergangen
Wir erinnern uns gern an das vergangene Jahr.
We like to remember the past year.
In real life
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