zurückgewinnen

Zurückgewinnen is a German verb meaning to regain possession or status after a loss, or to win back something that was lost. It can refer to tangible objects (property, items) as well as to intangible assets (trust, reputation, influence, control). The noun form is Rückgewinnung.

Grammatical notes: Zurückgewinnen is a separable-prefix verb. In the present tense the prefix is typically separated and placed at the end of the clause (ich gewinne zurück, du gewinnst zurück, er gewinnt zurück). When the direct object is explicit, the sentence can be formed as ich gewinne es zurück. In the perfect tense the past participle is zurückgewonnen, as in ich habe es zurückgewonnen.

Common contexts and collocations: It is frequently used with trust (Vertrauen), reputation (Ruf, Ansehen), influence or control (Macht, Kontrolle), and with possessions or market position (Eigentum, Marktanteile). Examples: Das Unternehmen hat Marktanteile zurückgewonnen. Die Regierung will ihren verlorenen Ruf zurückgewinnen.

Related terms: Wiedergewinnen is a close synonym emphasizing the act of regaining again. Rückgewinnung refers to the process or result of recovering something, often used in economics or industry. Rückerlangen and Wiedererlangen are other forms used for reclaiming or reacquiring state, rights, or assets.

Etymology: The word combines zurück (back) with gewinnen (to win), forming a compound that denotes returning to a previous state or possession. The concept appears across contexts such as business, politics, sports, and personal development, where reconciliation of loss and recovery is a common theme.