weichen
The English phrase 'back off' can be translated into German as weichen.
The verb weichen is used to describe the act of becoming less aggressive, particularly when one had appeared committed to act.
Meaning: to become less aggressive, particularly when one had appeared committed to act (verb)
Which one should you use?
While weichen means to yield or back off from a position, zurückweichen specifically emphasizes the physical or metaphorical act of recoiling or shrinking back in fear or hesitation.
Did you know?
- The word weichen is used in the common German expression dem Tode weichen, which means to succumb to death or pass away.
- The root of weichen is linked to the Proto-Indo-European word for 'bending' or 'curving', suggesting that to 'back off' is conceptually like bending away from a direct line.
- In German legal or formal terminology, weichen can describe one thing being replaced or superseded by another, such as an old law yielding to a new one.
Examples in context
- Der Druck lässt langsam weichen.The pressure is slowly backing off.
Example conversation
Laura and Julian are having a heated argument about a project.
- LauraDu bist viel zu aggressiv, Julian!You are being way too aggressive, Julian!
- JulianIch will einfach nur Recht haben.I just want to be right.
- LauraBitte weichen Sie ein Stück weit.Please back off a little bit.
- JulianNa gut, ich beruhige mich jetzt.Alright, I'll calm down now.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries weichen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
