reminder / warning
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payment reminder
A written request to pay an overdue bill or debt. Often, several reminders are sent with increasing fees.
Wenn du die Rechnung nicht bald bezahlst, bekommst du eine offizielle Mahnung.
If you don't pay the bill soon, you'll receive an official payment reminder.
warning
A serious appeal or warning to do or refrain from doing something specific, often with a moral or cautionary character.
Die Gedenkfeier war eine Mahnung, die schrecklichen Ereignisse der Vergangenheit nicht zu vergessen.
The memorial ceremony was a warning not to forget the terrible events of the past.
'Die Mahnung' is the noun related to the verb 'mahnen' (to remind, admonish, warn). A 'Mahnung' is therefore the result of the action: when someone 'mahnt', they send a 'Mahnung' (request/reminder) or issue a 'Mahnung' (warning).
Er hat die erste Mahnung ignoriert und muss jetzt Mahngebühren zahlen.
He ignored the first payment reminder and now has to pay reminder fees.
You can recognize the meaning from the context. If it is about money, bills, or companies, it means a request for payment. If it is about morality, history, or dangers, it means a serious warning.
Ich habe eine Mahnung von meinem Stromanbieter erhalten.
I received a payment reminder from my electricity provider.
In a financial context, typical verbs are 'eine Mahnung erhalten/bekommen' (to receive a payment reminder) or 'eine Mahnung schicken/versenden' (to send a payment reminder). You also often hear about the 'erste' (first), 'zweite' (second), or 'letzte Mahnung' (final reminder).
Wenn die Rechnung bis Freitag nicht bezahlt ist, versenden wir die zweite Mahnung.
If the bill is not paid by Friday, we will send the second payment reminder.
In the meaning 'Warnung' (warning), 'Mahnung' is often used with the preposition 'an' (+ accusative) or in the fixed expression 'als Mahnung dienen' (to serve as a warning).
Seine Rede war eine klare Mahnung an die Regierung, mehr für den Klimaschutz zu tun.
His speech was a clear warning to the government to do more for climate protection.
memory / reminder
Both words can refer to a reminder about an outstanding payment. Eine Erinnerung is usually neutral and can be sent before the due date, while eine Mahnung refers to a written request concerning an overdue bill. Use Erinnerung as a preventive reminder and Mahnung after the payment deadline has passed.
Eine Woche nach der Zahlungsfrist schickt die Firma eine Mahnung zur offenen Rechnung.
One week after the payment deadline, the company sends a payment reminder for the outstanding bill.
Zwei Tage vor der Zahlungsfrist schickt die Firma eine Erinnerung an die Rechnung.
Two days before the payment deadline, the company sends a reminder about the bill.
