01
zurückwerfen
to throw back
To throw something that was thrown back in the direction of the sender.
example
Der Fänger konnte den Ball schnell zum ersten Base zurückwerfen.
The catcher was able to throw the ball back to first base quickly.
zurückwerfen
to throw back / reflect / set back
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Zurückwerfen' (to throw back/reflect/set back) is a separable verb. The prefix 'zurück-' comes at the end in a main clause, while in a subordinate clause and in the infinitive with 'zu' it remains attached to the verb.
EXAMPLE
Der Spieler warf den Ball sofort zurück.
The player threw the ball back immediately.
Word structure
The word consists of the prefix 'zurück-' (back) and the verb 'werfen' (to throw). The literal meaning 'etwas zurückwerfen' (to throw something back) is the basis for all uses, including the figurative ones.
EXAMPLE
Die Mauer warf den Schall des Rufes zurück.
The wall reflected the sound of the shout.
Sentence structure for setbacks
In the figurative meaning, the structure 'jemanden/etwas um [Zeitspanne] zurückwerfen' (to set someone/something back by [period of time]) is often used. This expresses how large the setback or delay is.
EXAMPLE
Die Krankheit hat ihn in seiner Ausbildung um ein ganzes Jahr zurückgeworfen.
The illness set him back by a whole year in his training.
Context: reflection
In the meaning 'reflektieren' (to reflect), the verb usually refers to physical phenomena. Typical subjects are surfaces such as a mirror, water, or a wall that reflect light, sound, or heat.
EXAMPLE
Die Felsen warfen ein deutliches Echo zurück.
The rocks reflected a clear echo.
Compare with
zurückwerfen vs fördern
to promote / extract
'fördern' and 'zurückwerfen' both describe how something affects development or progress. 'fördern' means that you actively support and move something forward, for example a project, a child, or an idea. 'zurückwerfen' is the opposite: something hinders progress so much that you are back at an earlier stage. So 'fördern' fits when something helps. 'zurückwerfen' fits when something causes harm or delays progress.
zurückwerfen
Der Ausfall der Technik hat das Team im Projekt um mehrere Tage zurückgeworfen.
The technical failure set the team back by several days on the project.
fördern
Die neue Lehrerin fördert die Schüler mit zusätzlichen Übungen.
The new teacher supports the students with additional exercises.
In real life
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