warnen vor
to warn about
To make someone aware of an impending danger or a possible negative circumstance.
EXAMPLE
Die Wettervorhersage warnt vor starkem Sturm an der Küste.
The weather forecast is warning about a strong storm on the coast.
warnen
to warn
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Meanings
jemanden warnen
to warn someone
To give someone an urgent warning not to do something, often with the threat of consequences.
EXAMPLE
Ich warne dich, wenn du das noch einmal machst, gibt es Ärger!
I'm warning you, if you do that again, there will be trouble!
Usage tips
Structure with 'vor'
The verb 'warnen' (to warn) often needs two complements: the person being warned (in the accusative) and the danger (with the preposition 'vor' + dative). The pattern is: 'jemanden vor etwas warnen' (to warn someone about something).
EXAMPLE
Ärzte warnen die Bevölkerung vor einer neuen Grippewelle.
Doctors are warning the population about a new wave of flu.
Typical dangers
In the meaning 'to point out a danger', 'warnen' (to warn) is often combined with general risks or negative events. Common combinations are 'vor den Folgen warnen' (to warn about the consequences), 'vor einem Fehler warnen' (to warn about a mistake), or 'vor Betrug warnen' (to warn about fraud).
EXAMPLE
Die Expertin warnte eindringlich vor den wirtschaftlichen Folgen der Krise.
The expert urgently warned about the economic consequences of the crisis.
Direct warning
As a personal warning, 'warnen' (to warn) is often used in direct speech. It is frequently followed by a subordinate clause or an infinitive construction that explains what should not be done.
EXAMPLE
Ich warne dich, mich noch einmal anzulügen!
I'm warning you not to lie to me again!
Compare with
warnen vs drohen
to threaten
Drohen and warn can both announce a negative consequence so that someone changes their behavior. With drohen, the consequence is primarily used as pressure; with warnen, the focus is usually on protecting the person being addressed. If the statement is mainly meant to intimidate, “drohen” is stronger; if it points out a possible problem, “warnen” is the better choice.
warnen
Die Kollegin warnte den Mitarbeiter vor einer Kündigung, wenn er weiter zu spät kam.
The colleague warned the employee about dismissal if he continued to arrive late.
drohen
Der Chef drohte dem Mitarbeiter mit einer Kündigung, wenn er weiter zu spät kam.
The boss threatened the employee with dismissal if he continued to arrive late.
In real life
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