German Conversation · Level 158
30 words
German word
rügen
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈʁyːgn̩/
Meaning
- verbscold
Example
Die Chefin hat ihn wegen seines Fehlers gerügt.
The boss scolded him for his mistake.
More examples
Die Gewerkschaft rügte die Entscheidung der Geschäftsführung scharf.
The trade union sharply criticized the management's decision.
Core concept
An official reprimand directed at someone after a clear fault.
Common phrases
jemanden rügen
scold someone
disziplinarisch rügen
issue a disciplinary reprimand
öffentlich rügen
publicly criticize
Similar words
kritisieren: To identify faults in an action or opinion and express disapproval.
schimpfen: To scold someone loudly and harshly.
zurechtweisen: To admonish someone directly so that their behavior or actions improve.
tadeln: To point out a fault in speech or writing and express measured disapproval.
Definition in German
in formellen Situationen jemanden für sein Fehlverhalten tadeln oder kritisieren
Word origin
The verb comes from Middle High German rüegen, meaning to accuse or reproach, and retains this older sense of formally blaming wrongdoing.
Usage tips
- Rügen is more formal and sharper than the neutral verb kritisieren, especially in institutional or official language.