At the A1 level, 'belohnen' is a bit advanced, but you can understand it as 'giving a treat' or 'saying thank you' with a gift. Think of it in very simple contexts like training a dog or giving a child a sweet for being good. You should focus on the basic sentence structure: 'I reward you.' In German, this is 'Ich belohne dich.' Notice that 'dich' is the accusative form. At this stage, don't worry too much about complex prepositions. Just remember that 'belohnen' means someone did something good, and now they get something nice. It's the opposite of 'bestrafen' (to punish), which you might also learn early on. Imagine a teacher giving a sticker to a student – that is 'belohnen.' It is a positive word that makes people happy. You might hear it in very simple stories or in classroom instructions. Even if you don't use it yourself yet, recognizing it as a 'good' action word is a great start. Focus on the present tense first: 'Er belohnt', 'Sie belohnt'. Simple rewards like 'Schokolade' (chocolate) or 'ein Eis' (an ice cream) are common examples you can use to build your first sentences.
At the A2 level, you start to use 'belohnen' in more complete sentences with the preposition 'für' (for). You can now say why someone is being rewarded. For example: 'Ich belohne mein Kind für die Hilfe.' (I reward my child for the help). Remember that 'für' always takes the accusative case. You also learn that 'belohnen' is a regular (weak) verb, so it's easy to conjugate: 'ich belohnte' (past) and 'ich habe belohnt' (perfect). This is the level where you might talk about your pets or small daily successes. You might also encounter the noun 'die Belohnung' (the reward). For instance, 'Was ist die Belohnung?' (What is the reward?). You are starting to see this word in contexts like workplace incentives or school grades. It's important to differentiate it from 'bezahlen' (to pay). You 'bezahlen' for a pizza, but you 'belohnen' a friend who helped you carry a heavy sofa. One is a transaction, the other is a gesture of thanks. Try to use it when describing your weekend or your habits, like rewarding yourself after a workout.
At the B1 level, 'belohnen' becomes a versatile tool for discussing motivation, work-life balance, and social interactions. You should be comfortable using the reflexive form 'sich belohnen' (to reward oneself). This is very common in German culture when talking about self-care. For example: 'Nach der Prüfung habe ich mich mit einem Kurztrip belohnt.' (After the exam, I rewarded myself with a short trip). You also start to understand the passive voice: 'Gute Arbeit muss belohnt werden.' (Good work must be rewarded). This level expects you to use the word in professional contexts too. You might discuss how companies can 'belohnen' their employees beyond just giving them a salary. You should also be able to use the word in the 'Präteritum' (simple past) in written texts, like 'Der König belohnte den tapferen Ritter.' You are moving beyond simple physical rewards and starting to discuss more abstract rewards, like 'Anerkennung' (recognition) or 'Freizeit' (free time). At B1, you are expected to handle the grammar smoothly: [Subject] + [belohnen] + [Accusative Object] + [für + Accusative Reason] + [mit + Dative Means].
At the B2 level, you explore the nuances of 'belohnen' in more complex social and psychological contexts. You can use it to discuss pedagogical theories, such as the pros and cons of rewarding children for grades. You will encounter the word in more sophisticated texts about economics and management, often linked to terms like 'Anreizsysteme' (incentive systems). You should also be able to distinguish 'belohnen' from more formal synonyms like 'honorieren' or 'auszeichnen.' For example, you might read an article saying, 'Die Bemühungen der Regierung wurden von den Wählern nicht belohnt.' (The government's efforts were not rewarded by the voters). Here, the reward is metaphorical (votes). You are also expected to use the word in more complex sentence structures, including relative clauses and infinitive constructions: 'Es ist wichtig, Mitarbeiter zu belohnen, die sich besonders engagieren.' (It is important to reward employees who are particularly committed). You might also see it in the context of 'sich für etwas belohnt fühlen' (to feel rewarded for something), describing a sense of fulfillment.
At the C1 level, you use 'belohnen' with stylistic precision. You understand its role in idiomatic expressions and can use it to express subtle irony or deep philosophical points. For instance, you might discuss whether virtue is its own reward ('Tugend ist ihr eigener Lohn') or how the brain's 'Belohnungssystem' (reward system) works in the context of addiction or habit formation. You can handle the word in high-level academic or literary German. You might analyze a text where a character's patience is 'reichlich belohnt' (richly rewarded) or where a certain behavior 'belohnt wird' by society in a way that is actually harmful. Your vocabulary includes related abstract nouns like 'Belohnungsaufschub' (delayed gratification). You can also use the verb in the subjunctive mood (Konjunktiv) to discuss hypothetical scenarios: 'Hätte man ihn früher belohnt, wäre er vielleicht geblieben.' (Had he been rewarded earlier, he might have stayed). At this level, you don't just know the word; you know how to weave it into complex arguments about human nature, ethics, and social structures.
At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'belohnen' and its place in the German linguistic landscape. You can use it in highly formal speeches, legal documents, or avant-garde literature. You understand the historical development of the word from the concept of 'Lohn' and can appreciate its use in classical German literature (e.g., Goethe or Schiller). You can discuss the nuances between 'belohnen' and 'vergüten' in a legal contract or 'auszeichnen' in a state ceremony with absolute confidence. You are also aware of the psychological depths the word implies, such as in the context of 'intrinsische vs. extrinsische Belohnung.' You can use the word to create powerful metaphors: 'Die Geschichte wird diejenigen belohnen, die den Mut zur Wahrheit hatten.' (History will reward those who had the courage for the truth). Your usage is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, and you can play with the word's connotations to achieve specific rhetorical effects, whether in a persuasive essay or a sophisticated conversation about the philosophy of meritocracy.

belohnen en 30 segundos

  • The German verb 'belohnen' means to reward someone for an achievement or good behavior.
  • It is a weak verb (belohnte, belohnt) and always takes a direct object in the accusative case.
  • Commonly used with the preposition 'für' to state the reason and 'mit' for the reward itself.
  • It is frequently used reflexively ('sich belohnen') to describe treating oneself after hard work.

The German verb belohnen is a cornerstone of behavioral and social vocabulary, primarily meaning 'to reward.' At its core, it describes the act of giving something positive—whether material or immaterial—to someone in recognition of their effort, achievement, or good behavior. Unlike simply 'paying' (bezahlen), which implies a strict contractual obligation or a commercial transaction, belohnen carries an emotional or moral weight. It suggests a gesture of appreciation that goes beyond the bare minimum required. In the context of parenting, it might involve a child receiving an extra hour of playtime for finishing homework. In a professional setting, it could refer to a bonus given for exceptional performance that exceeded expectations. The word is deeply rooted in the concept of positive reinforcement. When you use belohnen, you are highlighting the relationship between an action and its positive consequence. It is not just about the gift itself, but the intent behind it: to encourage the repetition of that good behavior in the future.

Etymological Root
Derived from the noun 'Lohn' (wage/reward), the prefix 'be-' transforms the noun into a transitive verb that focuses on the recipient of the reward.
Social Context
Used frequently in education, psychology, and management to discuss motivation and incentives.

Die Eltern belohnen das Kind für seine guten Noten mit einem neuen Fahrrad.

Furthermore, belohnen can be used reflexively: sich belohnen (to reward oneself). This is a common theme in modern wellness and self-care discourse. After a long week of hard work, one might say, 'Ich belohne mich mit einem Wellness-Wochenende' (I am rewarding myself with a wellness weekend). This usage emphasizes self-appreciation and the importance of acknowledging one's own milestones. In a more abstract or poetic sense, nature or life itself can 'belohnen' someone. For instance, a hiker might be 'belohnt' with a breathtaking view after a strenuous climb. Here, the 'reward' is the natural result of the effort expended, reinforcing the idea that hard work eventually pays off in ways that aren't always monetary. The word also appears in legal or investigative contexts, such as when a reward is offered for information leading to the capture of a criminal, though 'eine Belohnung aussetzen' is the more specific phrase there. Overall, belohnen is a versatile verb that bridges the gap between material compensation and psychological validation.

Using belohnen correctly requires understanding its grammatical structure as a transitive verb. It takes a direct object in the accusative case—the person or entity being rewarded—and usually a prepositional object starting with 'für' to indicate the cause. For example, 'Der Chef belohnt den Mitarbeiter (Accusative) für seinen Einsatz (for his commitment).' This structure is very consistent. When you are constructing sentences, remember that the reward itself can be the subject in passive constructions, such as 'Die Mühe wurde schließlich belohnt' (The effort was finally rewarded). This passive usage is incredibly common in German literature and journalism to emphasize that success was earned. In the present perfect tense, it uses the auxiliary verb 'haben': 'Wir haben ihn belohnt.' In the past tense, it follows the weak verb pattern: 'Sie belohnte ihn.'

Reflexive Usage
Sich selbst belohnen: 'Ich belohne mich heute mit einem Eis.'
Passive Voice
Used to highlight the outcome: 'Fleiß wird belohnt' (Diligence is rewarded).

Nach dem Marathon belohnte er sich mit einem ausgiebigen Essen.

When discussing the 'with' part of the reward—the actual item given—German uses the preposition 'mit' followed by the dative case. 'Sie belohnte ihn mit einem Keks.' This creates a full sentence pattern: [Subject] + [belohnen] + [Object/Accusative] + [für + Accusative (Reason)] + [mit + Dative (Reward)]. For example: 'Die Firma belohnt die Treue der Kunden mit Rabatten.' (The company rewards customer loyalty with discounts). It's also important to note the nuance between belohnen and auszeichnen. While belohnen is general, auszeichnen often implies a formal award or honor, like a medal or a certificate. If you are writing a formal letter or a business report, belohnen is perfectly acceptable, but you might also see 'honorieren' used in very formal or financial contexts to describe the recognition of services rendered. In everyday speech, however, belohnen remains the most natural and frequently used term for any act of giving a reward.

The word belohnen permeates various facets of German life, from the domestic sphere to the high-stakes world of corporate management. In a household, you will often hear parents discussing how to belohnen their children. They might say, 'Wenn du dein Zimmer aufräumst, belohne ich dich mit einem Kinobesuch.' It is a fundamental part of the 'Erziehung' (upbringing) vocabulary. In schools, teachers might use it when talking about pedagogical strategies: 'Wir sollten positives Verhalten öfter belohnen, anstatt nur negatives zu bestrafen.' This reflects a shift in modern education towards positive reinforcement. In the workplace, belohnen is a key term in Human Resources. You'll hear it in meetings regarding 'Mitarbeiterbindung' (employee retention) and 'Leistungsanreize' (performance incentives). Companies 'belohnen' their top performers with bonuses, promotions, or even simple public recognition. In this context, it is often linked to 'Motivation' and 'Produktivität.'

In Sports
Commentators often say a team 'belohnt sich' when they finally score a goal after playing well for a long time.
In Marketing
Loyalty programs are often framed as 'Wir belohnen Ihre Treue' (We reward your loyalty).

Die Mannschaft hat sich für ihren Kampfgeist mit dem Sieg belohnt.

Another very common place to encounter belohnen is in the world of sports and fitness. If a football team works hard and finally scores, a commentator might say, 'Die Mannschaft hat sich für ihre Mühen belohnt.' This implies that the goal was a deserved outcome of their hard work. Similarly, in the fitness community, people talk about 'Belohnungsessen' (reward meals) or 'Cheat Meals' after a tough training session. In the news, you might hear about 'Belohnungen' being offered by the police or private individuals for help in solving a crime. For example, 'Für Hinweise, die zur Ergreifung des Täters führen, wurde eine Belohnung von 5.000 Euro ausgesetzt.' This usage is more formal and specific to legal contexts. Finally, in psychological and self-help literature, belohnen is used to describe dopamine loops and habit formation. Understanding how we 'belohnen' ourselves is seen as a key to changing behavior. Whether it's a small treat or a massive achievement, the concept of being rewarded is a universal human experience reflected in this essential German verb.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using belohnen is confusing it with other verbs related to money or praise. A common error is using bezahlen (to pay) when belohnen is intended. While you bezahlen a bill or a worker for their hours, you belohnen someone for their extraordinary effort. If you say 'Ich bezahle den Hund für das Sitzen,' it sounds like you are handing the dog a five-euro bill for a service, which is nonsensical. The correct term is belohnen because it's a gesture of reinforcement. Another common point of confusion is with the verb loben (to praise). While loben is purely verbal ('Gut gemacht!'), belohnen usually involves a tangible or experiential reward. You can loben a student for a good answer, and then belohnen the whole class with a shorter lesson on Friday.

Preposition Pitfall
Mistake: 'belohnen wegen' (because of). Correct: 'belohnen für' (for).
Case Error
The person being rewarded must be in the Accusative case, not Dative.

Falsch: Ich belohne ihm. Richtig: Ich belohne ihn.

Additionally, learners sometimes struggle with the reflexive form. They might forget the 'sich' or use the wrong pronoun. 'Ich belohne mich' (I reward myself) is correct, but 'Ich belohne mir' is a common dative mistake. Remember, belohnen always takes an accusative object. Another nuance is the difference between belohnen and entlohnen. Entlohnen is much more formal and usually refers specifically to financial compensation for work, often used in legal or economic contexts. If you tell a friend 'Ich entlohne dich für die Hilfe beim Umzug,' it sounds overly stiff and formal, like a business contract. Belohnen is warmer and more appropriate for personal favors. Lastly, be careful with the passive voice. While 'Ich wurde belohnt' is correct, learners sometimes try to translate 'I got rewarded' literally as 'Ich bekam belohnt,' which is incorrect. Stick to the 'werden' passive: 'Ich wurde für meine Arbeit belohnt.'

To truly master the concept of rewarding in German, it's helpful to look at the synonyms and related verbs that offer different shades of meaning. While belohnen is the most versatile, sometimes a more specific word is better. For instance, auszeichnen is used when someone is being honored or given an official award. If a scientist wins the Nobel Prize, they are 'ausgezeichnet,' not just 'belohnt.' It implies a higher level of public recognition and prestige. Another alternative is honorieren, which is often used in professional or intellectual contexts. It can mean to pay a fee (Honorar) for a service, but it also means to appreciate or recognize someone's contribution. For example, 'Das Publikum honorierte die Leistung mit langem Applaus' (The audience recognized the performance with long applause).

belohnen vs. auszeichnen
Belohnen is general; Auszeichnen is for formal honors/awards.
belohnen vs. entschädigen
Belohnen is for good deeds; Entschädigen is to compensate for loss or damage.

Statt Geld zu geben, zeichnete die Stadt den Helden mit einer Medaille aus.

If you are talking about compensating someone for a loss or an inconvenience, the word you need is entschädigen (to compensate or indemnify). This is used in insurance contexts or when an apology is accompanied by a gift. 'Ich möchte dich für die Verspätung entschädigen.' This is different from belohnen because the starting point is a negative event, not a positive achievement. For financial contexts, vergüten is another formal alternative, often used for overtime pay or expenses. Lastly, the verb loben is essential to distinguish. As mentioned before, loben is purely verbal. If you want to say 'to pay off' in an abstract sense (e.g., 'The hard work paid off'), you use the reflexive phrase sich auszahlen. For example: 'Die harte Arbeit hat sich ausgezahlt.' While 'belohnt werden' is similar, 'sich auszahlen' is the standard way to describe a successful outcome of an investment or effort. Understanding these distinctions allows you to choose the exact word that fits the level of formality and the specific nature of the 'reward' you are describing.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The root 'Lohn' is related to the English word 'loan', though the meanings have diverged significantly over centuries.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /bəˈloːnən/
US /bəˈloʊnən/
The stress is on the second syllable: be-LOHN-en.
Rima con
wohnen bohnen kronen thronen schonen ionen millionen kanonen
Errores comunes
  • Pronouncing the 'be-' as 'bee-'. It should be a short schwa sound /ə/.
  • Making the 'o' too short. It must be a long German 'o'.
  • Stressing the first syllable. It is never BE-lohnen.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

Easy to recognize in texts due to the clear root 'Lohn'.

Escritura 3/5

Requires correct use of Accusative and the preposition 'für'.

Expresión oral 3/5

Natural pronunciation of the long 'o' is important.

Escucha 2/5

Clearly articulated in most contexts.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

der Lohn geben gut für mit

Aprende después

auszeichnen honorieren bestrafen sich lohnen die Belohnung

Avanzado

die Gratifikation die Remuneration das Incentive die Meritokratie

Gramática que debes saber

Transitive Verbs with Accusative

Ich belohne *ihn* (Accusative).

Prepositional Objects with 'für'

Belohnen *für* die Hilfe (Accusative).

Weak Verb Conjugation

belohnen -> belohnte -> hat belohnt.

Reflexive Verbs

Ich belohne *mich* (Reflexive Accusative).

Passive Voice with 'werden'

Er *wird* belohnt.

Ejemplos por nivel

1

Ich belohne meinen Hund.

I reward my dog.

Simple Subject + Verb + Accusative Object.

2

Die Mutter belohnt das Kind.

The mother rewards the child.

Weak verb 'belohnen' in present tense.

3

Belohnst du mich?

Are you rewarding me?

Question form with verb at the start.

4

Er belohnt sie mit Schokolade.

He rewards her with chocolate.

Use of 'mit' + Dative for the reward.

5

Wir belohnen gute Arbeit.

We reward good work.

Accusative object 'gute Arbeit'.

6

Sie belohnt ihn heute.

She rewards him today.

Adverb 'heute' placed after the object.

7

Das ist eine Belohnung.

That is a reward.

Noun form: die Belohnung.

8

Ich möchte dich belohnen.

I want to reward you.

Modal verb 'möchten' + infinitive at the end.

1

Ich belohne dich für deine Hilfe.

I reward you for your help.

Preposition 'für' + Accusative.

2

Hast du den Hund belohnt?

Did you reward the dog?

Perfect tense: haben + belohnt.

3

Sie belohnte ihn mit einem Eis.

She rewarded him with an ice cream.

Simple past (Präteritum) of a weak verb.

4

Wir belohnen die Kinder für das Aufräumen.

We reward the children for tidying up.

Plural subject and object.

5

Er belohnt sich nach dem Sport.

He rewards himself after sports.

Reflexive pronoun 'sich' in Accusative.

6

Die Lehrerin belohnt die Klasse oft.

The teacher often rewards the class.

Adverb 'oft' indicating frequency.

7

Kannst du mich bitte belohnen?

Can you please reward me?

Modal verb 'können' in a question.

8

Mein Vater hat mich für die gute Note belohnt.

My father rewarded me for the good grade.

Perfect tense with 'für' phrase.

1

Nach der harten Woche belohne ich mich mit einem freien Tag.

After the hard week, I reward myself with a day off.

Reflexive 'sich belohnen' with 'mit' + Dative.

2

Die Firma belohnt treue Mitarbeiter mit einem Bonus.

The company rewards loyal employees with a bonus.

Professional context, plural objects.

3

Wirst du für deine Mühe belohnt?

Are you being rewarded for your effort?

Passive voice: werden + Partizip II.

4

Es ist wichtig, sich ab und zu selbst zu belohnen.

It is important to reward oneself every now and then.

Infinitive construction with 'zu'.

5

Der Trainer belohnte die Mannschaft für den Sieg.

The coach rewarded the team for the victory.

Simple past used in a narrative context.

6

Wenn du das schaffst, belohne ich dich reichlich.

If you manage that, I will reward you richly.

Conditional 'wenn' clause.

7

Man sollte Kinder nicht nur für gute Noten belohnen.

One should not only reward children for good grades.

Impersonal 'man' and negation 'nicht nur'.

8

Sie hat sich für die Diät mit einem neuen Kleid belohnt.

She rewarded herself for the diet with a new dress.

Perfect tense reflexive.

1

Die jahrelange Forschung wurde schließlich mit dem Nobelpreis belohnt.

The years of research were finally rewarded with the Nobel Prize.

Passive voice in past tense (Präteritum).

2

In vielen Unternehmen wird Leistung durch Boni belohnt.

In many companies, performance is rewarded through bonuses.

Passive voice with 'durch' + Accusative.

3

Er fühlt sich durch den Erfolg seiner Schüler belohnt.

He feels rewarded by the success of his students.

Reflexive 'sich fühlen' + adjective-like participle.

4

Wir müssen Wege finden, ehrenamtliches Engagement besser zu belohnen.

We must find ways to better reward volunteer commitment.

Complex infinitive phrase.

5

Die Natur belohnt den frühen Wanderer mit einer herrlichen Aussicht.

Nature rewards the early hiker with a magnificent view.

Metaphorical use of 'belohnen'.

6

Es ist psychologisch sinnvoll, kleine Fortschritte zu belohnen.

It is psychologically useful to reward small progress.

Adverbial use of 'psychologisch'.

7

Wurde er für sein Schweigen belohnt?

Was he rewarded for his silence?

Passive question in Präteritum.

8

Die Treue der Kunden wird mit exklusiven Angeboten belohnt.

Customer loyalty is rewarded with exclusive offers.

Passive voice with genitive 'der Kunden'.

1

Die Geduld der Anleger wurde reichlich belohnt, als die Aktienkurse stiegen.

The investors' patience was richly rewarded when the stock prices rose.

Genitive subject and temporal 'als' clause.

2

Das Gehirn belohnt uns durch die Ausschüttung von Dopamin.

The brain rewards us through the release of dopamine.

Scientific context.

3

Es bleibt abzuwarten, ob die Wähler diesen politischen Mut belohnen werden.

It remains to be seen whether voters will reward this political courage.

Indirect question with 'ob' and future tense.

4

Manche Taten belohnen sich von selbst.

Some deeds reward themselves.

Reflexive used for an abstract concept.

5

In der Kunst wird Originalität oft erst spät belohnt.

In art, originality is often only rewarded late.

Passive voice with temporal adverbs.

6

Die Regierung versucht, umweltfreundliches Verhalten steuerlich zu belohnen.

The government is trying to reward environmentally friendly behavior through tax incentives.

Adverb 'steuerlich' modifying the action.

7

Sie belohnte seine Offenheit mit einem verständnisvollen Lächeln.

She rewarded his openness with an understanding smile.

Abstract reward (a smile).

8

Hätte man ihn früher belohnt, wäre seine Motivation vielleicht höher gewesen.

Had he been rewarded earlier, his motivation might have been higher.

Konjunktiv II (hypothetical past).

1

Die Geschichte pflegt jene zu belohnen, die ihrer Zeit voraus sind.

History tends to reward those who are ahead of their time.

Elevated style using 'pflegen zu'.

2

Es ist eine ethische Frage, inwieweit Tugend materiell belohnt werden sollte.

It is an ethical question to what extent virtue should be materially rewarded.

Complex noun phrase and passive modal construction.

3

Die subtile Ironie des Schicksals belohnte ihn ausgerechnet mit dem, was er am meisten fürchtete.

The subtle irony of fate rewarded him of all things with what he feared most.

Literary style with 'ausgerechnet'.

4

Das System der Leistungsgesellschaft beruht auf dem Versprechen, Fleiß zu belohnen.

The system of meritocracy is based on the promise of rewarding diligence.

Abstract sociological terminology.

5

In seinem Spätwerk belohnt der Autor den aufmerksamen Leser mit versteckten Anspielungen.

In his late work, the author rewards the attentive reader with hidden allusions.

Academic literary analysis.

6

Sollte man Altruismus belohnen, wenn dadurch sein eigentliches Wesen korrumpiert wird?

Should one reward altruism if its actual essence is corrupted by it?

Philosophical inquiry with 'dadurch'.

7

Die unermüdliche Akribie der Wissenschaftler wurde durch eine bahnbrechende Entdeckung belohnt.

The scientists' tireless meticulousness was rewarded by a groundbreaking discovery.

High-level vocabulary (Akribie, bahnbrechend).

8

Man könnte argumentieren, dass das Leben einen für jedes überwundene Hindernis belohnt.

One could argue that life rewards you for every overcome obstacle.

Subjunctive 'könnte' and participial adjective 'überwundene'.

Colocaciones comunes

jemanden fürstlich belohnen
sich für die Mühe belohnt fühlen
Leistung belohnen
Treue belohnen
Erfolg belohnen
jemanden reichlich belohnen
sich mit einem Glas Wein belohnen
Fleiß belohnen
jemanden materiell belohnen
einen Hinweis belohnen

Frases Comunes

Fleiß wird belohnt.

— A common saying meaning that hard work pays off eventually.

Gib nicht auf, Fleiß wird belohnt!

Sich selbst belohnen.

— To treat oneself after completing a difficult task.

Nach der Prüfung muss ich mich erst mal selbst belohnen.

Reichlich belohnt werden.

— To receive a large or generous reward for something.

Ihre Geduld wurde am Ende reichlich belohnt.

Jemanden für seine Ehrlichkeit belohnen.

— To give something to someone because they told the truth.

Er fand die Brieftasche und wurde für seine Ehrlichkeit belohnt.

Mit einem Lächeln belohnt werden.

— To receive a smile as the only (but valuable) reward.

Seine Hilfe wurde mit einem glücklichen Lächeln belohnt.

Die Mühe hat sich belohnt.

— The effort was worth it (similar to 'hat sich gelohnt').

Die ganze Vorbereitung hat sich schließlich belohnt.

Anreize zum Belohnen.

— Incentives used to reward behavior.

Wir brauchen neue Anreize, um gute Leistungen zu belohnen.

Moralisch belohnt werden.

— To feel a sense of internal satisfaction rather than a material prize.

Ich wurde für meine Tat eher moralisch belohnt.

Ein Belohnungssystem einführen.

— To implement a structured way of giving rewards.

Die Schule möchte ein neues Belohnungssystem einführen.

Sich für das Warten belohnen.

— To get something positive after a long period of waiting.

Wir belohnen uns für das lange Warten mit einem tollen Urlaub.

Se confunde a menudo con

belohnen vs bezahlen

Bezahlen is for bills/wages; belohnen is for appreciation/reinforcement.

belohnen vs loben

Loben is verbal praise; belohnen usually involves a gift or action.

belohnen vs lohnen

Lohnen (reflexive) means 'to be worth it'; belohnen means 'to reward someone'.

Modismos y expresiones

"Tugend ist ihr eigener Lohn."

— Doing the right thing is a reward in itself (related to the noun).

Ich brauche kein Geld dafür, Tugend ist ihr eigener Lohn.

literary
"Sich mit fremden Federn schmücken."

— To take credit (reward) for someone else's work.

Er hat das Projekt nicht gemacht, er schmückt sich mit fremden Federn.

figurative
"Den Rahm abschöpfen."

— To take the best part of the reward/profit for oneself.

Die Chefs schöpfen immer den Rahm ab.

informal
"Auf seine Kosten kommen."

— To finally get what one deserves or wants (a form of reward).

Beim Buffet sind alle auf ihre Kosten gekommen.

neutral
"Das Angenehme mit dem Nützlichen verbinden."

— To combine work with a reward.

Auf der Geschäftsreise in Paris verbinde ich das Angenehme mit dem Nützlichen.

neutral
"Ernten, was man sät."

— To receive the rewards (or punishments) of one's previous actions.

Er hat viel gearbeitet und jetzt erntet er, was er gesät hat.

proverbial
"Ein dickes Ende kommt noch."

— Often used for punishment, but can imply a final big reward/consequence.

Warte ab, das dicke Ende (die Belohnung) kommt noch.

informal
"Honig um den Mund schmieren."

— To flatter someone (a false verbal reward) to get something.

Du musst mir nicht Honig um den Mund schmieren, ich helfe dir trotzdem.

informal
"In Saus und Braus leben."

— To live in luxury as a result of being 'rewarded' by wealth.

Seit er im Lotto gewonnen hat, lebt er in Saus und Braus.

informal
"Den Vogel abschießen."

— To win the main prize or do something extraordinary.

Mit dieser Leistung hast du echt den Vogel abgeschossen!

informal

Fácil de confundir

belohnen vs belohnen

Sounds like 'loben' or 'lohnen'.

Belohnen specifically requires a recipient and usually a reward item.

Ich belohne ihn mit einem Keks.

belohnen vs lohnen

Same root.

Lohnen is mostly used as 'es lohnt sich' (it is worth it).

Es lohnt sich, früh aufzustehen.

belohnen vs loben

Similar meaning of appreciation.

Loben is 'to praise' (words only).

Die Lehrerin lobt die Schülerin.

belohnen vs entlohnen

Very similar prefix.

Entlohnen is strictly for paying for work/services.

Die Erntehelfer wurden gerecht entlohnt.

belohnen vs auszeichnen

Both involve giving something good.

Auszeichnen is for formal awards and honors.

Er wurde mit einer Medaille ausgezeichnet.

Patrones de oraciones

A1

[Subject] belohnt [Object-Acc].

Ich belohne dich.

A2

[Subject] belohnt [Object-Acc] für [Reason-Acc].

Er belohnt das Kind für die Hilfe.

B1

[Subject] belohnt sich mit [Reward-Dat].

Sie belohnt sich mit einem Kaffee.

B1

[Subject] wird für [Reason-Acc] belohnt.

Er wird für seinen Mut belohnt.

B2

[Subject] hat sich für [Reason-Acc] mit [Reward-Dat] belohnt.

Wir haben uns für den Sieg mit einer Party belohnt.

C1

Es ist wichtig, [Infinitive with zu].

Es ist wichtig, treue Kunden zu belohnen.

C1

[Subject] pflegt [Object-Acc] zu belohnen.

Die Natur pflegt den Fleißigen zu belohnen.

C2

[Noun Phrase] wurde durch [Means-Acc] belohnt.

Seine Akribie wurde durch den Erfolg belohnt.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

die Belohnung (reward)
der Lohn (wage/reward)
der Belohner (one who rewards - rare)
das Belohnungssystem (reward system)

Verbos

entlohnen (to remunerate)
lohnen (to be worthwhile)
verlohnen (to be worth it - reflexive)
auslohnen (to offer a reward/prize)

Adjetivos

belohnend (rewarding)
lohnend (worthwhile)
unbelohnt (unrewarded)

Relacionado

der Bonus
das Geschenk
die Anerkennung
der Preis
die Auszeichnung

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Common in daily life, education, and business.

Errores comunes
  • Ich belohne ihm. Ich belohne ihn.

    The verb 'belohnen' requires the accusative case, not the dative case.

  • Ich belohne dich wegen deiner Hilfe. Ich belohne dich für deine Hilfe.

    While 'wegen' (because of) is logically okay, the standard preposition used with 'belohnen' is 'für'.

  • Ich bezahle den Hund mit einem Keks. Ich belohne den Hund mit einem Keks.

    'Bezahlen' implies a commercial transaction. 'Belohnen' is for training or appreciation.

  • Er wurde mit einem Medaille belohnt. Er wurde mit einer Medaille belohnt.

    After 'mit', you must use the dative case. 'Medaille' is feminine, so it's 'einer Medaille'.

  • Ich habe mir belohnt. Ich habe mich belohnt.

    The reflexive pronoun for 'belohnen' must be in the accusative case.

Consejos

Accusative Object

Always remember that the person receiving the reward is in the accusative case. 'Ich belohne *ihn*', not 'ihm'.

Reflexive Power

Use 'sich belohnen' to sound more like a native speaker when talking about your own habits and self-care.

Noun Form

Learn 'die Belohnung' alongside the verb. It's a feminine noun and very common in everyday speech.

Business German

In a professional context, 'belohnen' is often paired with 'Leistung' (performance) or 'Erfolg' (success).

The 'Für' Rule

Always use 'für' to explain the reason for the reward. It makes your sentences clear and grammatically correct.

Long O

Make sure the 'o' in 'belohnen' is long and clear. It's the most distinctive part of the word.

Passive Voice

Use the passive 'belohnt werden' to describe situations where the focus is on the recipient's success.

Formal Choice

Switch to 'auszeichnen' if you are talking about medals, trophies, or official government honors.

Not Bezahlen

Never use 'belohnen' for paying a bill. 'Bezahlen' is for money owed; 'belohnen' is for appreciation given.

Lohn = Wage

Associate 'belohnen' with 'Lohn' (wage). A reward is like a 'bonus wage' for being good.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 'be-' as 'bestowing' and 'lohn' as a 'loan' that you don't have to pay back because you did something good. You 'be-lohn' someone.

Asociación visual

Imagine a dog sitting perfectly still and a hand coming down to give it a treat. The hand is 'be-lohn-ing' the dog.

Word Web

Geld Freude Hund Kind Arbeit Erfolg Sieg Eis

Desafío

Write three sentences: one about rewarding a pet, one about rewarding a friend, and one about rewarding yourself. Use 'für' in every sentence.

Origen de la palabra

The word originates from the Middle High German 'belōnen' and Old High German 'bilōnōn'. It is a derivative of the noun 'Lohn' (reward, pay).

Significado original: To give a 'Lohn' (recompense) to someone.

Germanic

Contexto cultural

Be careful not to sound patronizing. Rewarding an adult for a basic task can sometimes come across as 'von oben herab' (condescending).

In English, we often use 'reward' or 'treat'. 'Belohnen' covers both, but 'sich belohnen' is specifically like 'to treat oneself'.

The psychologist B.F. Skinner's theories on reinforcement are often discussed in German using 'belohnen'. The 'Belohnungsaufschub' (Stanford marshmallow experiment) is a famous psychological concept in Germany. The 'Bundesverdienstkreuz' is the highest way the German state 'belohnt' citizens.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Parenting

  • Kinder für gute Noten belohnen
  • ein Belohnungssystem einführen
  • mit Süßigkeiten belohnen
  • positives Verhalten belohnen

Workplace

  • Leistung mit Boni belohnen
  • Mitarbeiter für Überstunden belohnen
  • Erfolg im Team belohnen
  • Loyalität belohnen

Pet Training

  • den Hund für das Kommen belohnen
  • mit Leckerlis belohnen
  • sofort belohnen
  • die Katze belohnen

Self-Care

  • sich nach der Arbeit belohnen
  • sich mit einem Urlaub belohnen
  • sich für das Durchhalten belohnen
  • sich ein wenig belohnen

Sports

  • sich für den Kampf belohnen
  • mit einem Tor belohnt werden
  • die Anstrengung belohnen
  • die Fans belohnen

Inicios de conversación

"Wie belohnst du dich normalerweise nach einer harten Arbeitswoche?"

"Findest du, dass man Kinder für gute Noten mit Geld belohnen sollte?"

"Wann wurdest du das letzte Mal für etwas Besonderes belohnt?"

"Glaubst du, dass das Leben gute Taten immer belohnt?"

"Wie belohnen Firmen in deinem Land ihre besten Mitarbeiter?"

Temas para diario

Schreibe über eine Situation, in der du dich für deine harte Arbeit selbst belohnt hast. Was hast du gemacht?

Sollte die Gesellschaft ehrenamtliche Arbeit mehr belohnen? Wenn ja, wie könnte das aussehen?

Denke an deine Schulzeit zurück. Wurdest du für deine Leistungen belohnt oder eher bestraft?

Wie funktioniert das Belohnungssystem in deinem Gehirn? Was motiviert dich am meisten?

Beschreibe den perfekten Tag, mit dem du dich für ein großes Ziel belohnen würdest.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

No, 'belohnen' can involve anything positive. It can be chocolate, a day off, a smile, or even just a feeling of satisfaction. While it can be money (like a bonus), 'bezahlen' is the word used for standard financial transactions.

'Belohnen' means you are giving the reward. 'Sich belohnen lassen' means you are allowing someone else to reward you, or you are putting yourself in a position to receive a reward.

Yes, it is the standard word used in dog and pet training. You 'belohnst' your dog with a 'Leckerli' (treat) when it follows a command.

No, 'belohnen' is strictly positive. For negative consequences, you must use 'bestrafen' (to punish).

Yes, very much so. It's used to discuss bonuses, employee of the month awards, and other incentives. 'Wir belohnen Ihre Leistung' is a common corporate phrase.

You use 'belohnend'. For example, 'eine belohnende Erfahrung' (a rewarding experience). However, 'lohnend' (worthwhile) is often more common in German for this context.

The accusative case always follows 'für'. For example: 'für den (Acc) Einsatz'.

No, it is a transitive verb, so you generally need to say *who* you are rewarding. If you don't have a specific person, you can use 'sich' to reward yourself.

It is a weak verb. This means it follows the regular pattern: belohnen, belohnte, hat belohnt.

A 'Belohnung' is a reward for behavior or effort. A 'Preis' is a prize won in a competition or the price of an item.

Ponte a prueba 180 preguntas

writing

Write a sentence using 'belohnen' and 'Hund'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence in the perfect tense: 'He rewarded me for my help.'

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writing

Write a reflexive sentence: 'After the exam, I reward myself with a vacation.'

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writing

Use 'belohnen' in the passive voice: 'Good work should be rewarded.'

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence using 'belohnen' and 'Mitarbeiter'.

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writing

Translate: 'Nature rewards the early bird.'

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writing

Write a sentence with 'sich belohnen' in the past tense (Präteritum).

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writing

Explain in one German sentence why rewarding is important.

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a question asking someone how they reward themselves.

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writing

Translate: 'The scientists were rewarded with a discovery.'

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writing

Use the word 'reichlich' in a sentence with 'belohnen'.

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writing

Write a sentence about rewarding children for good behavior.

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writing

Translate: 'His patience was finally rewarded.'

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writing

Write a sentence using 'belohnen' and 'Ehrlichkeit'.

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writing

Create a conditional sentence: 'If you help me, I will reward you.'

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writing

Use the noun 'Belohnung' in a sentence.

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writing

Translate: 'The company rewards loyalty with discounts.'

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writing

Write a sentence using 'sich fühlen' and 'belohnt'.

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writing

Translate: 'We reward the best ideas.'

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writing

Use 'belohnen' in a sentence about sports.

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speaking

Say: 'Ich belohne mich mit Schokolade.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'Wir belohnen den Hund für das Sitzen.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'Gute Arbeit muss belohnt werden.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'Hast du dich heute schon belohnt?'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'Die Firma belohnt treue Kunden.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'Fleiß wird am Ende belohnt.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'Er belohnte ihn für seine Hilfe.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'Ich belohne mich nach dem Sport.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'Wurde der Sieger belohnt?'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'Die Aussicht belohnt den Aufstieg.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'Mitarbeiterbindung durch Belohnung.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'Ich möchte dich für deine Geduld belohnen.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'Sie belohnte sich mit einem neuen Kleid.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'Man sollte positives Verhalten belohnen.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'Das ist eine verdiente Belohnung.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'Wir belohnen die besten Leistungen.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'Werden Überstunden bei euch belohnt?'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'Er hat mich reichlich belohnt.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'Sich selbst zu belohnen macht glücklich.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'Die Natur belohnt die frühen Wanderer.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and write: 'Ich belohne dich.'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and write: 'Er belohnte den Hund.'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and write: 'Sie hat sich belohnt.'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and write: 'Fleiß wird belohnt.'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and write: 'Wirst du belohnt werden?'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and write: 'Wir belohnen Ihre Treue.'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and write: 'Die Belohnung ist groß.'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and write: 'Er belohnt sie mit Blumen.'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and write: 'Ich möchte mich belohnen.'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and write: 'Die Mühe wurde belohnt.'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and write: 'Wer hat dich belohnt?'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and write: 'Sie belohnen gute Noten.'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and write: 'Ein Bonus belohnt Erfolg.'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and write: 'Sich gegenseitig belohnen.'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and write: 'Leistung wird hier belohnt.'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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