warning / cease-and-desist
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formal warning
A formal, usually written reprimand from an employer to an employee because of misconduct, serving as a warning before possible dismissal.
Wegen wiederholter Unpünktlichkeit erhielt der Mitarbeiter eine Abmahnung.
Because of repeated lateness, the employee received a formal warning.
'Die Abmahnung' (formal warning / cease-and-desist letter) is the noun for the verb 'abmahnen' (to issue a formal warning / to send a cease-and-desist notice). The base verb 'mahnen' means 'to warn' or 'to remind'. The prefix 'ab-' intensifies it into a formal, official warning.
Der Chef musste ihn wegen seines Verhaltens abmahnen.
The boss had to issue him a formal warning because of his behavior.
'Eine Abmahnung' is typically combined with the verbs 'bekommen', 'erhalten' (from the recipient's perspective) or 'aussprechen', 'erteilen' (from the sender's perspective).
Er hat eine Abmahnung von seinem Arbeitgeber bekommen.
He received a formal warning from his employer.
The reason for 'die Abmahnung' is usually given with the preposition 'wegen' and the genitive.
Sie erhielt eine Abmahnung wegen wiederholten Zuspätkommens.
She received a formal warning because of repeated lateness.
The two main meanings can easily be distinguished by context. If it is about an employer and an employee, it is a warning under employment law. If it is about lawyers, copyright, or competition, it refers to a legal request.
Die Mitarbeiterin fürchtet nach der Abmahnung um ihren Job.
After the formal warning, the employee fears for her job.
warning
'die Warnung' and 'die Abmahnung' can both mean that someone is seriously informed about possible consequences because of a mistake or misconduct. However, 'die Warnung' is much more general and can occur in many situations. 'die Abmahnung' is a specific formal warning, usually in writing and often in employment law or legal contexts. Learners may confuse the words because an 'Abmahnung' is also a warning. But not every warning is an 'Abmahnung'. 'Abmahnung' only fits when something is really meant officially or legally.
Im Büro hat ich eine Abmahnung bekommen, weil ich mehrmals zu spät gekommen bin.
At the office, I received a formal warning because I had been late several times.
Die Warnung des Chefs war klar: Beim nächsten Mal gibt es Konsequenzen.
The boss's warning was clear: Next time there will be consequences.