Nomen

der Rückstand

Translation

residue, arrears, backlog, deficit

Er ist mit der Miete im Rückstand.

He is in arrears with the rent.

Nach dem Kochen bleibt ein Rückstand.

A residue remains after cooking.

Wir müssen den Arbeitsrückstand aufholen.

We have to catch up on the work backlog.

im Rückstand sein ((mit+3)) to be in arrears/behind (with sth.) He is behind with his work.

in Rückstand geraten ((mit+3)) to fall into arrears/behind (with sth.) She has fallen into arrears with the payments.

einen Rückstand auf|holen to catch up on ((sth.)) He has to catch up on his studies.

Synonyms: Rest (remainder), Verzug (delay), Defizit (deficit)

Composed of 'rück-' (back) and 'Stand' (state, standing). Literally 'what is standing back' or left behind.

Imagine something that 'stands' 'back' (behind) schedule, representing a backlog or arrears.