German word

Rückzug

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʁʏkˌtsuːk/

Meaning

  • masculine nounretreat

Example

Nach der Niederlage begann der General den Rückzug.

After the defeat, the general began the retreat.

Illustration for Rückzug (retreat)

More examples

Nach dem Streit suchte sie den Rückzug ins Private.

After the argument, she sought to withdraw into private life.

Core concept

A held position becoming empty as its occupants move away, whether the position is a battlefield location or a figurative stance.

Common phrases

  • in den Rückzug gehen

    begin a retreat

  • der Rückzug ins Private

    withdraw into private life

Similar words

Abzug: The withdrawal of troops or equipment from a designated place.
Flucht: A rapid escape to avoid danger.
Rücktritt: Stepping down from a public or official role.

Definition in German

Rückzug ist das freiwillige oder erzwungene Entfernen von einer zuvor eingenommenen Position, sowohl im militärischen als auch im übertragenen Sinn.

Word origin

Rückzug developed from Rück- meaning 'backward' and Zug, the noun related to ziehen, 'to pull or move', making its formation transparent.

Usage tips

  • For a person's deliberate withdrawal, sich zurückziehen is often more natural than the noun Rückzug outside formal or strategic contexts.

Other meanings

  • withdrawalnoun
  • pulloutnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • Rückzugsortplace of refugenoun
  • Rückzugsraumrefuge areanoun

Word lists with this word