to reward
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to reward
To give someone recognition for good performance, effort, or good behavior, for example money, a prize, or praise.
Die Firma belohnte die Mitarbeiter für das erfolgreiche Jahr mit einer Prämie.
The company rewarded the employees for the successful year with a bonus.
to reward oneself
To do or treat oneself to something nice after an effort or success.
Nach der anstrengenden Prüfung habe ich mich mit einem Stück Kuchen belohnt.
After the exhausting exam, I rewarded myself with a piece of cake.
to reward
In a figurative sense: when an effort or behavior leads to a positive result.
Seine Geduld wurde belohnt, als er endlich eine Zusage für den Job bekam.
His patience was rewarded when he finally got an offer for the job.
'Belohnen' (to reward) is an inseparable verb derived from 'der Lohn' (pay, wages, earnings). The prefix 'be-' turns the noun into a verb meaning 'to provide with a reward/pay.'
Gute Arbeit wird in diesem Unternehmen gut belohnt.
Good work is well rewarded in this company.
The verb 'belohnen' (to reward) has a fixed structure: you reward someone (accusative) 'für' (for) an achievement (accusative) and 'mit' (with) a reward (dative).
Die Eltern belohnten ihre Tochter für das gute Zeugnis mit einem neuen Fahrrad.
The parents rewarded their daughter for the good report card with a new bicycle.
The verb can be used reflexively: 'sich belohnen' (to reward oneself). In this case, you treat yourself to something nice. The reward is connected with the preposition 'mit' (with) and the dative.
Nach der harten Arbeitswoche belohnte er sich mit einem entspannten Abend.
After the hard workweek, he rewarded himself with a relaxing evening.
In the figurative meaning, the subject is often something abstract like 'Geduld' (patience), 'Mühe' (effort), or 'Anstrengung' (exertion). The construction is frequently in the passive.
Ihre harte Arbeit wurde am Ende mit Erfolg belohnt.
Her hard work was ultimately rewarded with success.
to be worth it / to reward
Lohnen and belohnen can both express that someone receives recognition for an achievement. Transitive lohnen is formal or outdated in this meaning today. Belohnen is the usual choice in present-day German for money, a prize, praise, or another form of recognition.
Heute belohnt die Bürgermeisterin den mutigen Helfer mit einem Preis.
Today, the mayor rewards the brave helper with a prize.
In der alten Erzählung lohnte der König den Boten reich für seinen Mut.
In the old tale, the king richly rewarded the messenger for his courage.
