das  Comeback

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈkʌmbæk/

🌟 What does 'das Comeback' mean?

The word das Comeback is a term borrowed from English (an Anglizismus) and means the return or resurgence of a person or thing, often after a long break, a setback, or a period of absence. It frequently implies a return to former success or a prominent position.

Typical contexts include:

• 🏅 Sport: An athlete successfully returns to competition after an injury or break.
• 🎤 Kultur (Culture): An artist (musician, actor) releases new work or performs again after a long time.
• 💼 Wirtschaft/Politik (Business/Politics): A person, company, or idea regains importance after a crisis or failure.

Although it's a foreign word, it's treated as neuter in German, hence it's das Comeback.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Deep Dive: Declension of Comeback

The noun 'Comeback' is neuter (sächlich). It is declined as follows:

Singular

Plural

The plural 'die Comebacks' is used less frequently but is correct.

Example Sentences 📝

• Der Sportler feierte nach seiner Verletzung ein beeindruckendes Comeback.
  (The athlete celebrated an impressive comeback after his injury.)
• Alle warten gespannt auf das Comeback der berühmten Band.
  (Everyone is eagerly awaiting the famous band's comeback.)
• Nach Jahren in der politischen Versenkung plant sie nun ihr Comeback.
  (After years in the political wilderness, she is now planning her comeback.)
• Die Modewelt erlebte mehrere überraschende Comebacks alter Trends.
  (The fashion world experienced several surprising comebacks of old trends.)

🚀 How to Use 'das Comeback' Correctly

'Das Comeback' is primarily used when a return is associated with the expectation or hope of regaining former success. It often has a positive connotation.

• Context: Very common in media reports about sports, music, film, but also in politics or business.
• Style: Ranges from colloquial to standard language, depending on the context. In formal academic texts, one might prefer German alternatives like Rückkehr or Wiederkehr.
• Distinction:
  • Die Rückkehr: A neutral term for coming back. Example: „Seine Rückkehr aus dem Urlaub.“ (His return from vacation.)
  • Die Wiederkehr: Similar to Rückkehr, sometimes slightly more elevated or referring to recurring events. Example: „Die jährliche Wiederkehr des Festivals.“ (The annual return of the festival.)
  • Das Comeback: Emphasizes the return to the limelight, often after a break or a low point.

🚨 Caution: Since it's an Anglicism, avoid overusing it if good German alternatives fit. Context is key!

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Aid: Remember that many English loanwords in German ending in '-back' describing an event or state are often neuter (like das Feedback). Imagine the event of returning – das Comeback. The neuter article 'das' fits this abstract event concept.

Meaning Aid: The word itself tells you: 'Come back!'. It's the call for the return – das Comeback.

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

Similar but Misleading Words:

• Das Come-together / Get-together: An informal meeting or gathering. Not related to returning after a break.

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Reporter den alten Rockstar: „Planen Sie ein Comeback?“
Antwortet der Rockstar: „Wieso? War ich weg?“

(Reporter asks the old rock star: "Are you planning a comeback?"
The rock star replies: "Why? Was I gone?")

📜 Poem about the Comeback

Die Bühne leer, das Licht war aus,
Die Fans, sie warteten zu Haus.
Doch still und heimlich, mit viel Kraft,
Wurde Neues dann geschafft.

Nun dröhnt Musik, Applaus wird laut,
Ein Stern, der sich zurück getraut.
Es ist soweit, die Zeit ist reif,
Für das Comeback – ein neuer Streif!

(The stage empty, the light was out,
The fans, they waited at the house.
But quietly, secretly, with much strength,
Something new was then brought to length.)

(Now music roars, applause rings loud,
A star who dared return to the crowd.
The time has come, the moment's ripe,
For the comeback – a new stripe/streak!)

🕵️‍♀️ Little Riddle

Ich bin die Hoffnung nach dem Fall,
Im Sport, im Film, fast überall.
Man jubelt laut, wenn ich geling',
Die Rückkehr, die den Erfolg bring'.

Was bin ich? (I am the hope after the fall,
In sports, in film, almost everywhere at all.
People cheer loudly when I succeed,
The return that brings success indeed.)

What am I?
Solution: das Comeback

ℹ️ Further Information

Word Origin: The word 'Comeback' comes directly from English (to come back) and was adopted into German in the 20th century, primarily through sports and entertainment journalism.

Frequency: It is a relatively common Anglicism in German, especially in specific subject areas.