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
zurückwerfen
to reflect
To reflect or mirror light, sound, or heat.
EXAMPLE
Die glatte Wasseroberfläche wirft das Sonnenlicht zurück.
The smooth surface of the water reflects the sunlight.
zurückwerfen
to set back
To hinder someone or something in their development or progress and bring them back to an earlier stage.
EXAMPLE
Die unerwarteten Probleme haben das Projekt um Monate zurückgeworfen.
The unexpected problems set the project back by months.
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 reflektieren
to reflect
Reflektieren and zurückwerfen can both describe a surface directing light, sound, or heat in another direction. Reflektieren is more commonly used in technical language for this process, while zurückwerfen describes the effect of the surface in a vivid, everyday way. In a technical text, reflektieren is usually more suitable.
zurückwerfen
Die helle Wand wirft das Licht in den Raum zurück.
The bright wall throws the light back into the room.
reflektieren
Der Spiegel reflektiert das Licht und leitet es in den Raum zurück.
The mirror reflects the light and directs it back into the room.
In real life
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