zurückmelden

Zurückmelden is a German verb meaning to report back, to respond, or to provide an update after receiving information or after being away. It is commonly used when a person or organization expects a return message or a status update, for example in work, studies, or service contexts.

The verb is often used reflexively as sich zurückmelden, with variations such as sich bei jemandem zurückmelden (to get back in touch with someone). Typical usages include statements like Ich melde mich heute zurück or Wir melden uns zeitnah zurück. The related noun Rückmeldung means feedback or a response.

Grammar and usage notes: zurückmelden is built from melden with the separable prefix zurück-. In present tense, the prefix is typically separated and placed at the end of the clause: Ich melde mich heute zurück. In the perfect tense, the form is ich habe mich zurückgemeldet (the prefix remains attached to the participle). The reflexive pronoun often appears before the verb, as in Ich melde mich zurück, Wir melden uns zurück, or Er meldet sich bei Ihnen zurück.

Contexts and nuances: Rückmeldungen are common in professional communications, such as job applications, project updates, customer service, and academic settings. The noun Rückmeldung emphasizes the act of giving a response, whereas zurückmelden as a verb focuses on the action of returning the update itself. Synonyms or related phrases include Rückmeldung geben (to give feedback) and sich melden (to get in touch or report in) in less specific contexts.