German Conversation · Level 76
57 words
German word
lohnen
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈloːnən/
Meaning
- verbbe worth it
Example
Es lohnt sich, ein Taxi zu nehmen.
It's worth taking a taxi.
More examples
Für kurze Strecken lohnt sich das Fahrrad.
For short distances, riding a bicycle is worthwhile.
Core concept
A costly route, purchase, or action earns enough benefit to justify choosing it.
Common phrases
Es lohnt sich, vorher zu reservieren
be worth making a reservation in advance
Für Studenten lohnt sich das Abo
be worth it to students
Similar words
sich auszahlen: Repay invested effort or expense through a later benefit.
bringen: Lead to a favorable result or bring a desired benefit.
nützen: Be useful in achieving a purpose or producing an effect.
Definition in German
(sich) nützlich oder vorteilhaft sein; der Nutzen rechtfertigt den Aufwand.
Word origin
Lohnen developed from an older Germanic verb associated with reward and payment, while the modern reflexive use expresses that an action proves worthwhile.
Usage tips
- The subject of "sich lohnen" is the thing being evaluated, as in "Die Reise lohnt sich"; the traveler is not the grammatical subject.
Other meanings
- pay offverb
- be profitableverb
Related words
- belohnenrewardverb
- lohnendworthwhileadjective