Warnung

/ˈvaʁnʊŋ/
warning

Die Polizei gab eine Warnung vor starkem Wind heraus.

The police issued a warning about strong winds.


neutral

A statement or event that indicates a possible danger, problem, or other unpleasant situation.

Der Lehrer gab den Schülern eine Warnung wegen ihres Verhaltens.

The teacher gave the students a warning about their behavior.

Die Warnung vor dem Sturm wurde ernst genommen.

The warning about the storm was taken seriously.

Often used in official or formal contexts (e.g., weather alerts, safety notices).

neutral

A cautionary advice or reminder.

Seine Warnung vor den Gefahren des Rauchens war berechtigt.

His warning about the dangers of smoking was justified.

Can also refer to advice given to prevent harm or mistakes.

Collocations

eine Warnung aussprechento issue a warningeine Warnung erhaltento receive a warningeine Warnung ignorierento ignore a warning

Pro Tip

Common Collocations

Combine 'Warnung' with verbs like *geben* (to give), *aussprechen* (to issue), or *erhalten* (to receive) for natural usage.

Gold Rule

Formal vs. Informal

In formal contexts (e.g., official notices), 'Warnung' is preferred. In casual speech, 'Mahnung' or 'Hinweis' may be used interchangeably.

Word Origin

From Middle High German *warnunge*, derived from *warnen* (to warn), from Old High German *warnōn*, ultimately from Proto-Germanic *warnōną* (to be cautious). Related to English 'warn'.

Usage Notes

Used in both spoken and written German. Often appears in compound forms like 'Warnsignal' (warning signal) or 'Warnstreik' (warning strike).

Word Breakdown

warn-
root related to caution or alertness
root
+
-ung
suffix forming nouns (action or result of an action)
suffix
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