Wiedergewinnen

Wiedergewinnen is a German verb that means to regain, win back, or reclaim something that has been lost or is temporarily out of reach. It can refer to tangible objects such as possessions or money, as well as to intangible things like trust, influence, health, or time.

Etymology and sense: The term combines wieder- (again) with gewinnen (to win or gain). The construction expresses the idea of obtaining something anew after it has been lost or diminished. It is commonly used in both everyday language and formal contexts to describe recovery or restoration.

Usage and examples: Wiedergewinnen is used with a direct object indicating what is regained. For example, one might say, "Er konnte sein Selbstvertrauen wiedergewinnen" (he could regain his self-confidence) or "Die Regierung bemüht sich, das Vertrauen der Bevölkerung wiederzugewinnen" (the government seeks to win back the population’s trust). It also appears in medical or physical contexts, such as recovering strength after an illness: "Sie konnte schrittweise ihre Kräfte wiedergewinnen." In business or politics, it can describe the return of market share or influence: "Das Unternehmen hofft, Marktanteile wiederzuerlangen" (to regain).

Form and related terms: The verb typically appears with standard German tense conjugations; the past participle is wiedergewonnen, used with haben (hat wiedergewonnen). Related terms include Rückgewinnung (recovery or reclamation), Wiedererlangung (reacquisition), and Wiederherstellung (restoration). Synonyms vary by nuance, with Rückgewinnung often emphasizing return after loss, and Wiedererlangung highlighting the act of obtaining again.

See also: gewinnen; Rückgewinnung; Wiedererlangung; Wiederherstellung.