to withdraw / retreat
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to retreat
To go to a quiet, private place in order to be alone or to get some distance from other people.
Nach dem langen Arbeitstag zog er sich mit einem Buch in sein Zimmer zurück.
After the long workday, he retreated to his room with a book.
'Zurückziehen' (to withdraw / retreat) is a separable verb. The prefix 'zurück-' comes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
Er zog seine Hand schnell zurück.
He quickly pulled his hand back.
The verb consists of 'zurück' (back) and 'ziehen' (to pull). The literal meaning, 'to pull back', helps you understand the figurative meanings such as 'to revoke something' or 'to move away'.
Der Fahrer musste das Auto aus dem Schlamm zurückziehen.
The driver had to pull the car back out of the mud.
Pay attention to whether the verb is used reflexively with 'sich' or non-reflexively. 'Sich zurückziehen' means that the person removes themself. 'Etwas zurückziehen' means that you withdraw an object or revoke a statement.
Der Politiker zog sich aus der Debatte zurück.
The politician withdrew from the debate.
When you revoke something, the objects are typically abstract things that you previously stated or submitted, for example 'einen Antrag' (an application/a motion), 'ein Angebot' (an offer), 'eine Klage' (a lawsuit/complaint), or 'eine Aussage' (a statement).
Das Unternehmen hat sein Kaufangebot für die kleine Firma zurückgezogen.
The company withdrew its purchase offer for the small firm.
When someone retreats to a place, the preposition 'in' (or 'auf', 'an') is used with the accusative. When someone ends their participation in something, 'aus' is used with the dative.
Sie zieht sich gerne in den Garten zurück, um zu lesen.
She likes to retreat to the garden to read.
to give up / submit
'aufgeben' and 'zurückziehen' can both mean that you stop pursuing or end something. 'aufgeben' is more general: you stop trying to do something or drop a plan. 'zurückziehen' is often used when you have previously officially said, offered, or submitted something and then take it back, for example an application or a request. You can also withdraw from a competition. Learners may confuse the words because both can feel like an ending. Remember: 'aufgeben' emphasizes not continuing; 'zurückziehen' emphasizes taking a step back or dropping out of participation.
Der Kandidat zieht seine Bewerbung nach dem Gespräch zurück.
The candidate withdraws his application after the interview.
Wegen des schlechten Wetters geben wir unsere Wanderung heute auf.
Because of the bad weather, we are giving up our hike today.