The retrieval of distinct tuples in a relational database management system. In response to a request from a consumer process for distinct tuples in a relational database table matching a defined criteria, a distinct operator component sequentially requests tuples from a source component. The source component access the database table and returns a tuple in the sequence to the distinct operator component. The distinct operator component passes each tuple in the sequence to an auxiliary logger. The auxiliary component receives a tuples from the distinct component and determines if it is distinct from other previously received tuples in the sequence to verify its uniqueness to the distinct operator. Tuples that are verified as unique by the auxiliary logger are returned to the consumer process by the distinct operator upon verification.