zurücknehmen
to retract
To withdraw a statement, claim, or offer so that it no longer applies.
EXAMPLE
Ich nehme meine Anschuldigung zurück, es war ein Missverständnis.
I retract my accusation; it was a misunderstanding.
zurücknehmen
to take back
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Meanings
zurücknehmen
to take back
To accept back an item that was sold, for example in the case of a complaint or return.
EXAMPLE
Das Geschäft hat die defekte Kaffeemaschine anstandslos zurückgenommen.
The store took back the defective coffee machine without any fuss.
sich zurücknehmen
to hold back
To moderate one's behavior or statements and not push oneself into the foreground.
EXAMPLE
In der Diskussion hat er sich bewusst zurückgenommen und die anderen reden lassen.
In the discussion, he deliberately held back and let the others talk.
zurücknehmen
to reduce
To decrease the intensity, speed, or extent of something.
EXAMPLE
Der Läufer musste kurz vor dem Ziel das Tempo etwas zurücknehmen.
The runner had to reduce his pace a little shortly before the finish.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Zurücknehmen' (to take back) is a separable verb. The prefix 'zurück' goes at the end in a main clause, while in a subordinate clause it remains attached to the verb. In the infinitive with 'zu', 'zu' goes between the prefix and the verb.
EXAMPLE
Er nimmt sein unfreundliches Wort sofort zurück.
He immediately takes back his unfriendly word.
Word structure
The word is made up of 'zurück' (back) and 'nehmen' (to take). The literal meaning 'to take something back to oneself' helps you understand most uses, whether it is about a statement, an item, or speed.
EXAMPLE
Der Verkäufer musste die beschädigte Ware zurücknehmen.
The seller had to take back the damaged goods.
Reflexive use
In the meaning 'sich mäßigen' (to moderate oneself), the verb is always used reflexively with 'sich'. The person holding back is the subject of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Bei diesem heiklen Thema solltest du dich besser etwas zurücknehmen.
With this sensitive topic, you should hold back a little.
Typical collocations
When it is about withdrawal or retraction, 'zurücknehmen' (to retract/take back) is often combined with abstract nouns such as 'eine Aussage' (a statement), 'ein Angebot' (an offer), 'eine Kritik' (a criticism), or 'eine Warnung' (a warning).
EXAMPLE
Der Politiker musste seine umstrittene Aussage öffentlich zurücknehmen.
The politician had to publicly retract his controversial statement.
Typical collocations
When it is about reducing intensity, typical combinations are 'das Tempo zurücknehmen' (to reduce the pace), 'die Geschwindigkeit zurücknehmen' (to reduce speed), or 'den Druck zurücknehmen' (to reduce pressure).
EXAMPLE
Der Fahrer nahm vor der Kurve die Geschwindigkeit zurück.
The driver reduced his speed before the curve.
Compare with
zurücknehmen vs aufheben
to pick up / keep / cancel
Aufheben and zurücknehmen can both mean that something explained earlier is no longer valid. Aufheben refers more generally to canceling a decision or provision. Zurücknehmen emphasizes that the author withdraws their own statement, claim, or offer.
zurücknehmen
Die Behörde nahm ihre frühere Erklärung zurück.
The authorities retracted their earlier statement.
aufheben
Die Behörde hob die frühere Entscheidung auf.
The authorities canceled the earlier decision.
In real life
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