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.
to pay tribute
To show recognition, respect, or honor to someone or something.
Mit diesem Denkmal wollen wir den Opfern des Krieges Tribut zollen.
With this memorial, we want to pay tribute to the victims of the war.
tribute
A payment common in history that a subjugated state or a vassal had to make to a higher power as a sign of recognition or in exchange for protection.
Die besiegten Völker mussten dem Römischen Reich jährlich einen hohen Tribut zahlen.
The defeated peoples had to pay a high annual tribute to the Roman Empire.
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
Preis can figuratively refer to a negative consequence accepted as the cost of a success. Tribut can also describe such a loss, but it sounds more elevated and often suggests something inevitable or fated. The phrase “Tribut fordern” (to take a toll) is especially typical.
Der schnelle Erfolg forderte von ihrer Gesundheit einen hohen Tribut.
The rapid success took a heavy toll on her health.
Der schnelle Erfolg hatte für ihre Gesundheit einen hohen Preis.
The rapid success came at a high cost to her health.
