lesson / warning
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lesson / warning
A punishment, defeat, or unpleasant experience intended to serve as a lesson or warning for someone in the future.
Die Niederlage im Finale war ein schmerzhafter Denkzettel für die überhebliche Mannschaft.
The defeat in the final was a painful lesson for the arrogant team.
This word is made up of 'denken' (to think) and 'der Zettel' (note/slip of paper). Literally, it is a note meant to remind someone of something or make them think. From this, today's figurative meaning of a lesson or punishment developed.
Die hohe Geldstrafe war ein Denkzettel für zu schnelles Fahren.
The high fine was a lesson for driving too fast.
'Denkzettel' (lesson/warning) is often used with the verbs 'verpassen' (to give/administer) and 'bekommen' (to get). 'Jemandem einen Denkzettel verpassen' means to teach someone a lesson. 'Einen Denkzettel bekommen' means to be taught a lesson.
Der Trainer wollte der Mannschaft mit dem harten Training einen Denkzettel verpassen.
The coach wanted to teach the team a lesson with the tough training.
When expressing who receives the 'Denkzettel' (lesson/warning) or to whom it is given, that person or group is in the dative.
Der Lehrer hat dem Schüler einen Denkzettel verpasst.
The teacher taught the student a lesson.
punishment / penalty
A Strafe is a negative consequence for wrong behavior. A Denkzettel is also a punishment or unpleasant experience, but it places more emphasis on the intended lesson or warning for the future. Use Strafe for penalizing someone and Denkzettel when someone is meant to learn from the experience.
Die Niederlage im Finale war für die überheblichen Spieler ein Denkzettel.
The defeat in the final was a lesson for the overconfident players.
Nach dem absichtlichen Foul bekam der Spieler eine Strafe.
The player was penalized for the deliberate foul.
