toll / tribute
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toll
A sacrifice, loss, or negative consequence that has to be accepted as the price for something. Often used in the phrase 'einen Tribut fordern' (to take a toll).
Die vielen Überstunden forderten ihren Tribut: Er war ständig müde.
The many hours of overtime took their toll: he was constantly tired.
The verb is crucial for recognizing the meaning of 'Tribut' (toll/tribute). 'Tribut fordern' means to demand a sacrifice or take a toll. 'Tribut zollen' means to show respect. 'Tribut zahlen' or 'leisten' usually refers to the historical payment.
Die Krankheit forderte ihren Tribut.
The illness took its toll.
The word 'Tribut' (toll/tribute) belongs to elevated language. It is often found in written language, speeches, or journalistic texts, but rarely in everyday conversations.
Der jahrelange Raubbau an der Natur fordert nun seinen Tribut.
The years of overexploitation of nature are now taking their toll.
In the meaning of 'Opfer' (sacrifice) or 'negativer Preis' (negative price), 'Tribut' is almost always used with the verb 'fordern' (to demand/take). The subject is the cause of the sacrifice, for example an illness or an effort.
Die schlaflosen Nächte forderten bald ihren Tribut.
The sleepless nights soon took their toll.
In the expression 'Tribut zollen' (to pay tribute), the person or thing being honored is always in the dative. You pay tribute to 'jemandem' (someone) or 'etwas' (something).
Mit einer Gedenktafel zollt die Stadt ihren berühmten Bürgern Tribut.
With a commemorative plaque, the city pays tribute to its famous citizens.
price / prize
'der Preis' and 'der Tribut' can both have to do with negative consequences, but they are used differently. In 'um jeden Preis' (at any price), 'Preis' means that someone absolutely wants something, even if it may have bad consequences. 'Tribut' refers more to the sacrifice, loss, or burden itself that something costs. The words can be confused because in both cases you think of costs in a figurative sense. Remember: 'um jeden Preis' describes strong determination; 'Tribut' describes the bad consequences.
Die lange Arbeit ohne Pause forderte am Ende ihren Tribut.
The long hours of work without a break eventually took their toll.
Er wollte das Rennen um jeden Preis gewinnen.
He wanted to win the race at any price.