Rücktritt

Rücktritt is a German noun that denotes the act of stepping back, withdrawing, or resigning from a position, office, agreement, or plan. The term comes from zurück (back) and treten (to step). It is used in a range of contexts to describe voluntary withdrawal or termination.

In political and public life, a Rücktritt refers to a resignation from an official post or mandate. A leading politician or government member may announce a Rücktritt aus dem Amt, often following controversy, failure, or personal reasons. The formal process and effect of a Rücktritt depend on constitutional rules and statutory provisions, and may require submission of a resignation letter or notification to a competent authority. The resignation typically triggers the appointment of a successor or a fresh political process.

In contract law, Rücktritt can denote the withdrawal from or rescission of a contract. A party may exercise a Rücktrittsrecht if permitted by statute or by agreement, with consequences such as restoration of the status quo ante and possible damages. In consumer and business practice, terms like Rücktrittsrecht or Recht zum Rücktritt describe the right to cancel or withdraw from a contract under specified conditions (for example, within a cooling-off period or after material contract breaches).

In sports, culture, and everyday life, Rücktritt is used for retirement or stepping down from competitive activity, performances, or roles. It often signals the end of an active period and the transition to a different status, such as emeritus or spectatorship.

Synonyms include Rückzug and Abtritt, though usage may differ by context. The term emphasizes voluntary withdrawal rather than involuntary removal.