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.
'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' both have to do with a positive result after effort or achievement. 'Sich lohnen' means that something is worth the effort: you invest time, money, or energy and get a benefit. 'belohnen' means that someone receives something for an achievement or good behavior, for example praise, money, or a gift. You can also reward yourself. The words can be confused because both fit after effort. A practical rule is: something 'lohnt sich' (is worth it), but a person is 'belohnt' (rewarded).
Nach der Prüfung belohnt sich Sofia mit einem freien Nachmittag.
After the exam, Sofia rewards herself with an afternoon off.
Der lange Weg lohnt sich, weil der Strand dort sehr schön ist.
The long trip is worth it because the beach there is very beautiful.