Rückzug
/ˈʁykˌtsuːk/masculine
The English phrase retreat is translated into German as Rückzug.
Rückzug is a noun meaning an act of pulling back or withdrawing. In German, the English term 'Retreat' is also used to refer to specific types of formal gatherings, such as those for meditation, religion or personal development.
Meaning: act of pulling back or withdrawing (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
Rückzug is a compound of rück (back/rear) and Zug (pull/movement/train).
Which one should you use?
While Rückzug is the noun for the act of retreating, if you want to use a verb, there are different options. Use abziehen specifically when withdrawing troops or resources from a location. For the general act of withdrawing oneself or a group, use the reflexive verb sich zurückziehen.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As a masculine noun, Rückzug takes the accusative article den when it is the direct object of a sentence, such as in den Rückzug einleiten (to initiate the retreat).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʁykˌtsuːk/
Did you know?
- Because Zug means 'train', a German speaker might jokingly visualize a 'backwards train' when hearing Rückzug.
- In a social context, if you tell someone you are looking for a Rückzugsort, you are not looking for a military position, but a 'place of retreat' like a quiet corner or a sanctuary.
- When talking about a 'retreat' as a spiritual gathering, Germans often use the English word 'Retreat' instead of Rückzug to avoid sounding like a military maneuver.
Examples in context
- Ihnen blieb nur der Rückzug.They had no alternative but to retreat.This sentence shows the use of Rückzug to express having no alternative.Tatoeba #10162674 by Yorwba, translation #307088 by CK
- Der General gab Befehl zum Rückzug.The general gave the order to retreat.This sentence illustrates a command for Rückzug.Tatoeba #2290490 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2268156 by _undertoad
- Ein taktischer Rückzug wird manchmal als Feigheit verstanden.A tactical retreat is sometimes interpreted as cowardice.This sentence shows how a tactical Rückzug might be perceived.Tatoeba #3707495 by Sicaria, translation #3706149 by patgfisher
- Wir müssen uns zurückziehen, um unsere Kräfte neu zu sammeln.We need to retreat in order to regroup.
- Die Armee entschied sich für den Rückzug.The army opted for retreat.
- Er zog sich aus der Schlacht zurück.He withdrew from the battle.
- Das spirituelle Retreat findet in den Bergen statt.The spiritual retreat takes place in the mountains.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Hannah are discussing a board game strategy.
- LukasEin Rückzug ist jetzt am besten.A retreat is best right now.
- HannahAber ist das nicht zu vorsichtig?But isn't that too cautious?
- LukasEs sichert unsere Position.It secures our position.
- HannahNa gut, Lukas, ich stimme dir zu.Fine, Lukas, I agree with you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “retreat” translations and entries Rückzug, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
