to reset / reverse / set back
Loading your saved state.
to reset
To return an electronic device, software, or system to its original factory settings or to an earlier state.
Wenn das Handy nicht mehr reagiert, musst du es auf die Werkseinstellungen zurücksetzen.
If the phone no longer responds, you have to reset it to factory settings.
'Zurücksetzen' (to reset/reverse/set back) is a separable verb. The prefix 'zurück-' comes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses or in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
Ich setze mein Passwort zurück.
I reset my password.
The exact meaning of 'zurücksetzen' (to reset/reverse/set back) is usually made clear by the direct object. A device is reset to factory settings, a car is moved backward, and an animal is released back into nature.
Kannst du bitte dein Handy zurücksetzen?
Can you please reset your phone?
In a technical context, the fixed expression 'auf die Werkseinstellungen zurücksetzen' (to reset to factory settings) is very common. The preposition 'auf' with the accusative indicates the target state here.
Als letzte Lösung können Sie das Tablet auf die Werkseinstellungen zurücksetzen.
As a last resort, you can reset the tablet to factory settings.
In the figurative meaning (to disadvantage someone), the verb is often used in the passive or reflexively with 'sich fühlen' (to feel). It then describes a state that one suffers or experiences.
Durch die Umstrukturierung wurde sie beruflich zurückgesetzt.
Because of the restructuring, she was set back professionally.
When an animal is released, the place is often given with the preposition 'in' and the accusative. The structure is: ein Tier in seinen Lebensraum zurücksetzen (to release an animal back into its habitat).
Die Forscher setzen die Schildkröte wieder ins Meer zurück.
The researchers release the turtle back into the sea.
to abandon / suspend / expose
'aussetzen' and 'zurücksetzen' can both have to do with animals being brought to a place. But the difference is important. 'Ein Tier aussetzen' means to abandon an animal somewhere helplessly and no longer take care of it. This is negative. 'Ein Tier zurücksetzen' means to release a captured animal back into its natural environment. This is neutral or positive. Learners may confuse the words because both are formed with 'setzen' and an animal changes location. Memory tip: 'aussetzen' means to leave in the lurch; 'zurücksetzen' means to bring back into nature.
Nach der Untersuchung setzt die Biologin den Fisch vorsichtig in den See zurück.
After the examination, the biologist carefully releases the fish back into the lake.
Jemand hat den kleinen Hund am Waldrand ausgesetzt.
Someone abandoned the small dog at the edge of the forest.