Warnung
[ˈvaʁnʊŋ(k)]feminine
The English phrase "warning" is translated into German as Warnung. Wiktionary also lists Mahnung.
Meaning: something spoken or written that is intended to warn (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Warnung | [ˈvaʁnʊŋ(k)] (narrow) [ˈvaɐ̯nʊŋ(k)] (narrow) |
feminine |
| Mahnung | /ˈmaːnʊŋ/ | feminine |
The noun Warnung refers to something spoken or written that is intended to warn.
Which one should you use?
While Warnung is the noun for the warning itself, Achtung is used as a warning in the sense of "Attention!" or "Watch out!" on signs. Additionally, Mahnung is often used for a formal reminder (like a payment reminder) or a moral admonition.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Warnung is a feminine noun, so it takes the article die in the nominative case and eine for "a warning".
Did you know?
- The word Mahnung is linguistically related to the English word 'mind' through an ancient root meaning 'to remember' or 'to call to mind'.
- While Warnung is a general warning, Achtung comes from the verb achten, meaning 'to respect'. In a warning context, it literally tells the listener to show respect to the potential danger.
- German signage often uses the word Vorsicht instead of Warnung for immediate physical hazards. While both mean warning, Vorsicht is specifically used for 'caution' regarding a slip or trip.
Examples in context
- Das ist eine Warnung!This is a warning!This sentence is useful for identifying a warning.Tatoeba #3502904 by al_ex_an_der, translation #11213434 by mutskt
- Es gab keine Warnung.There was no warning.This sentence is useful for expressing the absence of a warning.Tatoeba #12462848 by Waldelfe, translation #3403315 by CK
- Danke für die Warnung.Thank you for your warning.This sentence is useful for thanking someone for a warning.Tatoeba #779295 by Manfredo, translation #238166 by CK
- Vorsicht! Die Straße ist glatt.Caution! The road is slippery.
- Achtung! Bitte halten Sie einen Sicherheitsabstand ein.Attention! Please maintain a safe distance.
- Pass auf! Das ist sehr heiß.Watch out! That is very hot.
- Ich würde vorsichtshalber den Regenschirm mitnehmen.I would as a precaution take the umbrella with me.
- Achtung, hier gibt es Tiere.Attention, there are animals here.
- Entschuldigung, aber könnten Sie bitte etwas vorsichtiger fahren?Excuse me, but could you please drive a bit more carefully?
- 50 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Julian are talking about a safety sign in the forest.
- HannahHast du die Warnung an dem Baum gesehen?Did you see the warning on the tree?
- JulianNein, ich habe die Warnung übersehen.No, I overlooked the warning.
- HannahPass auf, Julian, die Warnung ist wichtig.Watch out, Julian, the warning is important.
- JulianDanke, ich werde vorsichtiger sein.Thanks, I will be more careful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “warning” translations and entries Warnung, Mahnung, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
