die  Rückmeldung

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʁʏkˌmɛldʊŋ/

🗣️ What does 'Rückmeldung' mean?

Die Rückmeldung (feminine noun) means feedback, response, or confirmation. It describes an answer, reaction, or piece of information given in response to a previous action, request, or message. It often serves to acknowledge receipt, provide an assessment, or inform about the status of something.

• Feedback/Assessment: An evaluation or opinion on a performance, product, or situation (e.g., from a boss, teacher, customer).
• Answer/Response: A general reply to a question or request.
• Confirmation: Information confirming that something has arrived or a process is underway (e.g., a system message).

The only article for Rückmeldung is die because it's a feminine noun (identifiable by the suffix -ung).

Article rules for der, die, and das

📚 Grammar Guide for 'die Rückmeldung'

The word "Rückmeldung" is a feminine noun. The article is always die.

Example Sentences

1. Ich warte noch auf eine Rückmeldung vom Kundenservice.
   (I am still waiting for a response from customer service.)
2. Der Lehrer gab den Schülern detaillierte Rückmeldungen zu ihren Aufsätzen.
   (The teacher gave the students detailed feedback on their essays.)
3. Vielen Dank für Ihre schnelle Rückmeldung!
   (Thank you very much for your quick response!)
4. Das System gibt eine automatische Rückmeldung, wenn die Daten gespeichert wurden.
   (The system gives automatic feedback/confirmation when the data has been saved.)

💬 When and how to use 'Rückmeldung'?

"Rückmeldung" is a very common word in German, especially in more formal contexts such as Arbeit (work), Schule (school), or regarding Dienstleistungen (services).

• At work: You ask for or give Rückmeldung on projects, presentations, or general performance. („Könnten Sie mir bitte bis morgen eine Rückmeldung geben?“ - Could you please give me some feedback by tomorrow?)
• In education: Teachers give students Rückmeldung on assignments and exams.
• Technology & Systems: Software or devices often provide Rückmeldungen about their status or actions taken (e.g., error messages, confirmations).
• General communication: When expecting an answer or confirmation to a message or request. („Ich habe noch keine Rückmeldung auf meine E-Mail erhalten.“ - I haven't received a response to my email yet.)

Compared to Antwort (answer), Rückmeldung is often more specific and more frequently implies an evaluation or confirmation, not just a simple reply.

🧠 Memory Hooks for 'die Rückmeldung'

1. Article Mnemonic: Most German nouns ending in -ung are feminine. Think: the ending -ung sounds like 'oomph' which might feel feminine, leading to die Rückmeldung. It's like die Meinung (opinion), die Bewertung (evaluation).

2. Meaning Mnemonic: Think of "reporting back". A Rückmeldung is when someone 'meldet' (reports) 'zurück' (back) to you with information (an answer, feedback). Rück = back, Meldung = report/message.

↔️ Word Family: Synonyms & Antonyms

Similar but different words:

• Meldung: A message or report, but not necessarily in response to something.
• Anmeldung: Registration for something.
• Abmeldung: Deregistration, signing off.

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Chef den neuen Mitarbeiter: „Haben Sie schon Rückmeldung zu Ihrem Vorschlag bekommen?“
Sagt der Mitarbeiter: „Ja, mein Papierkorb hat 'Danke' gesagt!“

Translation:
The boss asks the new employee: "Have you received any feedback on your proposal yet?"
The employee replies: "Yes, my wastebasket said 'Thank you'!"

✍️ Poetry Corner

Eine Mail flog leis' ins Netz hinein,
mit Fragen, groß und auch mal klein.
Man hofft, man bangt, was wird gescheh'n?
Wird bald 'ne Rückmeldung zu seh'n? Ob Lob, ob Tadel, Ja ob Nein,
sie lässt dich nicht im Stich allein.
Die Antwort kommt, mal schnell, mal spät,
die Rückmeldung, die Klarheit sät.

Translation:
An email flew quietly into the net,
With questions, big and sometimes small, you bet.
One hopes, one worries, what will unfold?
Will a response soon behold?
Whether praise or blame, yes or no,
It won't leave you alone, you know.
The answer comes, sometimes fast, sometimes late,
The feedback that sows clarity's state.

❓ Riddle Time!

Ich komme zurück, nachdem du gefragt,
bin Antwort, Bestätigung, hab's dir gesagt.
Ob positiv, neutral oder auch schlecht,
auf mich zu warten, ist oft dein Recht.

Was bin ich? Lösung: die Rückmeldung

Translation:
I come back after you have asked,
Am answer, confirmation, I've told you at last.
Whether positive, neutral, or even bad,
Waiting for me is often a right you've had.

What am I?
Solution: die Rückmeldung (feedback/response)

🧩 Word Breakdown: Rückmeldung

The word "Rückmeldung" is a compound noun, composed of:

• rück- : A prefix indicating a return movement or repetition (from zurück - back).
• Meldung : A noun meaning report, message, or notification.

Together, it signifies a "returning message" or a message given in response/reaction.