01
zurücktreten
to resign
To voluntarily give up an office, position, or function.
example
Der Minister ist nach dem Skandal von seinem Amt zurückgetreten.
The minister resigned from his office after the scandal.
zurücktreten
to resign / step back
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Zurücktreten' (to resign/step back) is a separable verb. The prefix 'zurück-' stands at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses or in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb is not separated.
EXAMPLE
Der Politiker tritt von seinem Amt zurück.
The politician is resigning from his office.
Perfect tense with 'sein'
Since 'treten' (to step) expresses movement, the perfect tense of 'zurücktreten' (to resign/step back) is always formed with the auxiliary verb 'sein' (to be).
EXAMPLE
Der Präsident ist gestern überraschend zurückgetreten.
The president unexpectedly resigned yesterday.
Typical collocations
When someone gives up an office, 'zurücktreten' (to resign) is often used with the preposition 'von' (+ dative) or 'als' (+ nominative). The context is usually political or professional.
EXAMPLE
Sie ist als Schatzmeisterin des Vereins zurückgetreten.
She resigned as treasurer of the association.
Fixed preposition
To express that one is canceling an agreement, the fixed expression 'von etwas zurücktreten' (to withdraw from something) is used. The noun after it is always in the dative.
EXAMPLE
Man kann innerhalb von 14 Tagen vom Online-Kauf zurücktreten.
You can withdraw from an online purchase within 14 days.
Compare with
zurücktreten vs aufheben
to pick up / keep / cancel
'aufheben' and 'zurücktreten von' can both have to do with something agreed or valid no longer applying. The difference lies in who is acting and what it is about. 'aufheben' is used more for rules, decisions, or provisions that are officially made invalid. 'von etwas zurücktreten' is used when a person cancels or withdraws from a commitment, contract, or agreement. Learners may confuse the words because both express an end. Memory aid: an authority 'hebt eine Regel auf' (cancels a rule), while a person 'tritt von einem Vertrag zurück' (withdraws from a contract).
zurücktreten
Nach dem Gespräch tritt der Kunde vom Vertrag zurück.
After the conversation, the customer withdraws from the contract.
aufheben
Die Behörde hebt die Entscheidung auf, nachdem neue Informationen vorliegen.
The authority cancels the decision after new information becomes available.
In real life
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