Fallrückzieher
/ˈfalrʏkˌtsiːər/masculine
The English phrase "bicycle kick" translates to German as Fallrückzieher.
In soccer, the informal term Fallrückzieher refers to an overhead kick, specifically a bicycle kick performed while falling backward.
Meaning: soccer: kick (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
As a masculine noun, it takes the accusative article den when it is the direct object of a sentence, such as when a player performs it.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈfalrʏkˌtsiːər/
Did you know?
- The component Rückzieher is also used in German to describe a person who retreats from a commitment or 'pulls back' from a deal or promise.
- While English speakers use a noun related to a vehicle, Germans use a compound noun that describes the physical sensation and direction of the body's momentum.
- Because the word contains the verb ziehen, meaning 'to pull', the term literally describes the physics of the motion where the legs appear to be 'pulling back' through the air as the player falls.
Examples in context
- Ronaldo ist für seinen Fallrückzieher bekannt. Wenn er den vorführt, flippen die Fans aus.Ronaldo is famous for his bicycle kick. When he does it, the fans go crazy.This sentence shows how to use Fallrückzieher when discussing a player's reputation and the fans' reaction.Tatoeba #10101963 by Yorwba, translation #3579605 by trieuho
- Er erzielte ein spektakuläres Tor mit einem Fallrückzieher.He scored a spectacular goal with an overhead kick.
- Der Fallrückzieher war absolut unglaublich.The bicycle kick was absolutely incredible.
- Er hat den Ball mit einem Fallrückzieher versenkt.He scored the ball with a bicycle kick.
Example conversation
Felix and Julia are watching a soccer match on TV.
- FelixHast du diesen Fallrückzieher gesehen?Did you see that bicycle kick?
- JuliaJa, der war wirklich spektakulär!Yes, that was truly spectacular!
- FelixIch würde den Fallrückzieher auch gerne mal schaffen.I would also like to pull off a bicycle kick someday.
- JuliaDas erfordert viel Übung, Felix.That requires a lot of practice, Felix.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bicycle kick” translations and entries Fallrückzieher, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Fallrückzieher, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
