zurückbleiben

to fall behind, to stay back

verb tsoo-RUEK-bly-ben Rare

Also means

to remain (be left behind)

Usage Note

zurückbleiben means to remain in a position while others move forward — either intentionally (staying behind) or because of inability to keep up: hinter der Gruppe zurückbleiben (fall behind the group). The announcement Bitte zurückbleiben! is heard on train platforms.

Examples

"Bitte bleiben Sie hinter der Sicherheitslinie zurück."

Natural Translation

Please remain behind the safety line.

Literal Translation

Please remain behind the safety-line back.

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