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abmahnen

to give a formal warning

verb AP-mah-nen Rare
People & Society Work

Also means

to issue a written reprimand

Usage Note

abmahnen means to issue a formal written warning (Abmahnung) to an employee for a specific breach of contract. Under German labour law, an employer must usually abmahnen before dismissing on behavioural grounds; the warning must name the misconduct precisely.

Examples

"Der Arbeitgeber mahnte ihn wegen unerlaubten Fernbleibens ab."

Natural Translation

The employer gave him a formal warning for unauthorised absence.

Literal Translation

The employer warned him because-of unauthorised staying-away.

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