noun

der Lohn, ¨-e

wage · pay

Das ist das Geld, das jemand für seine Arbeit bekommt.

Definition & meaning

The word Lohn primarily refers to the financial compensation paid to an employee for their work or services, typically on an hourly or daily basis.

In a broader, often figurative sense, it can mean a reward or a consequence for an action or behavior. This can be positive (a reward for effort) or negative (the "price" one pays for a wrongdoing).

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar: Masculine noun (der Lohn). The plural form is die Löhne.
Origin: It stems from the Old High German word lōn, which is related to the Old Saxon lōn and the English loan (originally meaning a gift or reward).

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

Gehalt (specifically for a fixed monthly salary)
Bezahlung (general payment)
Verdienst (earnings)
Entlohnung (remuneration)
Belohnung (reward, in the figurative sense)

Antonyms:

Strafe (punishment, often used when "Lohn" refers to the negative consequence of an action)
Kosten (costs, representing the expenditure rather than the income)