warning shot
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warning shot
An action, event, or statement that serves as a clear warning in order to protect someone from more serious consequences or to prompt a change in behavior.
Die schlechten Umfragewerte waren ein Warnschuss für die Regierungspartei.
The poor poll numbers were a warning shot for the governing party.
warning shot
A shot from a weapon that is deliberately not fired at a target, but for example into the air or into the ground, in order to warn or deter.
Der Polizist gab einen Warnschuss ab, bevor die Situation eskalierte.
The police officer fired a warning shot before the situation escalated.
The word is a compound made from 'warnen' (to warn), in the form 'Warn-', and 'der Schuss' (the shot). So it literally means a shot that serves as a warning. This basic idea applies to both the literal and the figurative meaning.
Die Entlassungswelle war ein klarer Warnschuss für die gesamte Branche.
The wave of layoffs was a clear warning shot for the entire industry.
You can easily tell from context whether the literal or figurative meaning is intended. If it is about weapons, police, or the military, a real shot is meant. In contexts like politics, business, or personal relationships, it is a figurative warning.
Der Einbrecher floh, nachdem die Polizei einen Warnschuss abgegeben hatte.
The burglar fled after the police had fired a warning shot.
In the figurative meaning, 'Warnschuss' (warning shot) is often used in the structure 'ein Warnschuss für jemanden/etwas sein' (to be a warning shot for someone/something). It expresses who or what is supposed to be warned by an event.
Die Kündigung war ein Warnschuss für ihn, sein Verhalten zu ändern.
The dismissal was a warning shot for him to change his behavior.
In the literal sense, the fixed collocation 'einen Warnschuss abgeben' (to fire a warning shot) is almost always used. The verb 'abgeben' is the typical choice here.
Der Wachmann gab einen Warnschuss in die Luft ab.
The guard fired a warning shot into the air.
siren
A Sirene and a Warnschuss can both warn of danger. A Sirene is a device that draws attention with a loud, usually wailing sound; a Warnschuss is a clear action or statement that warns of more serious consequences and is intended to bring about a change. Use “Sirene” for the sound and “Warnschuss” for the emphatic warning.
Die hohe Geldstrafe war für das Unternehmen ein deutlicher Warnschuss, seine Regeln zu ändern.
The hefty fine was a clear warning shot for the company to change its rules.
Die Sirene des Krankenwagens warnte die anderen Verkehrsteilnehmer und machte den Weg frei.
The ambulance siren warned the other road users and cleared the way.
