accusation / reproach
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accusation / reproach
A statement or action with which someone attributes misconduct, a mistake, or blame to another person; an accusation or reprimand.
Er machte ihr den Vorwurf, nie Zeit für ihn zu haben.
He reproached her for never having time for him.
'Der Vorwurf' (accusation/reproach) is derived from the separable verb 'vorwerfen' (to accuse/reproach). Literally, it means to 'throw something at someone's feet,' that is, to confront them with a mistake.
Ich verstehe nicht, was du mir eigentlich vorwirfst.
I don't understand what you're actually accusing me of.
The most common combination is 'jemandem einen Vorwurf machen' (to reproach someone / to accuse someone of something). The person being accused is always in the dative.
Sein Chef machte ihm den Vorwurf, unkonzentriert zu sein.
His boss reproached him for being unfocused.
To specify the content of the accusation, a subordinate clause with 'dass' (that) or an infinitive construction with 'zu' (to) is often used.
Der Vorwurf, dass er das Geld gestohlen habe, war falsch.
The accusation that he had stolen the money was false.
criticism / review
'Kritik' and 'Vorwurf' can both say something negative about a person's behavior. 'Kritik' more often points out mistakes or weaknesses and can also help make something better. A 'Vorwurf' is more about blame: someone says or shows that a person has done something wrong. That is why 'Vorwurf' sounds more personal and often harsher. Learners may confuse the words because criticism can sometimes sound like a reproach. A simple guideline is: 'Kritik' often concerns the matter or the performance, while a 'Vorwurf' often concerns a person's blame or guilt.
Der Vorwurf ist unfair, denn du hast den Fehler nicht gemacht.
The accusation is unfair because you did not make the mistake.
David schreibt in der E-Mail auch Kritik am neuen Plan.
In the email, David also writes criticism of the new plan.