noun
return, coming back
B1
Rückkehr (die) means return or coming back. It’s a feminine noun; plural Rückkehren. Use with prepositions like nach or zu for returning to places (die Rückkehr nach Hause, die Rückkehr zu etwas). No irregular declension beyond standard feminine patterns commonly.
Examples
Nach seiner langen Reise freute er sich auf die Rückkehr nach Hause.
After his long journey, he looked forward to returning home.
Nach der Rückkehr nach Hause bemerkte er, dass die Pflanzen vertrocknet waren.
After the return home, he noticed that the plants had dried out.
Ihre plötzliche Rückkehr überraschte alle.
Her sudden coming back surprised everyone.
Details
Mnemonics
Imagine someone turning around and walking back through the door — their Rückkehr.
Rückkehr — think 'rück' (back) + 'kehr' like 'turn' = turning back.
die Rückkehr — picture a woman re-entering a room to remember the feminine article.
Notes
Rückkehr can be used for both physical returns and metaphorical/comeback contexts (e.g., a public figure's return). Often uncountable in German, but plural 'Rückkehren' is possible.