Zurückkommen and zurückgehen both express the idea of returning, but they differ in perspective and context:
- Zurückkommen means “to come back” and focuses on the movement toward the speaker’s or reference point’s location.
- Zurückgehen means “to go back” and emphasizes the movement away from the current location toward a previous point.
Here are the key differences and usage rules, along with examples:
Usage Rules
. Perspective
- Zurückkommen: The subject returns toward the speaker’s location or a designated reference point.
- Zurückgehen: The subject returns by going away from the current spot, retracing steps to an earlier place.
. Movement
- Zurückkommen: Implies arriving back to the starting point or where the listener is.
- Zurückgehen: Implies moving back along a path or direction, not necessarily arriving at the speaker.
. Context
- Use zurückkommen when you want to emphasize the return to a known or expected place.
- Use zurückgehen when describing someone or something reversing direction or going back to a previous location.
Examples
. Returning to Home or a Fixed Location
- Sie kommt um 18 Uhr zurück. — She comes back at 6 p.m.
- Sie geht um 18 Uhr zurück. — She goes back at 6 p.m.
Note: Both are possible if the context makes clear where she is returning. Without more detail, zurückkommen is more natural for “coming back home,” while zurückgehen could imply going back on foot or reversing course.
Sie kommt um 18 Uhr _______.
zurück
In this sentence, **zurückkommen** (comes back) fits naturally because it implies returning to a known place or the speaker’s location.
. Returning to a Previous Point (e.g., on a Trip)
- Wir kommen morgen zurück. — We come back tomorrow. (return to home/base)
- Wir gehen morgen zurück. — We go back tomorrow. (go back along the route)
. Returning to Someone’s Presence vs. Going Back
- Ich komme gleich zurück. — I’ll be right back. (returning to where the speaker/listener is)
- Ich gehe zurück ins Büro. — I’m going back to the office. (moving away from current location toward office)
Ich _______ gleich zurück.
komme
‘I’ll be right back’ is naturally expressed with **Ich komme gleich zurück**, signaling a quick return to the speaker’s place.
. Using with Objects or Situations
- Die Bücher kommen nächste Woche zurück. — The books come back next week. (are returned)
- Die Uhr geht zurück. — The clock goes back. (the time is set backward)
Summary
| Aspect | Zurückkommen (come back) | Zurückgehen (go back) |
|---|---|---|
| Perspective | Toward speaker/reference point | Away from current spot, retracing steps |
| Movement | Arriving back at known location | Moving back along a previous path |
| Context | Emphasizes return to home/expected place | Emphasizes reversing direction or leaving current place |
| Example | Ich komme zurück.* (I come back.) | Ich gehe zurück.* (I go back.) |
Tip: If you’re unsure which to use, think about where the subject is returning:
- If returning to a place where the speaker/listener is, use zurückkommen.
- If moving back along a previous route or away from the current location, use zurückgehen.
Conclusion
- Use zurückkommen to talk about returning “back here” (toward the speaker’s place).
- Use zurückgehen to talk about going “back there” or retracing one’s steps away from the current spot.
Both verbs are correct in their contexts, so choose based on the viewpoint and direction of movement.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
