lohnen

be worthwhile

verb LOO-nen Less Common

Origin: from Lohn ('wage, reward')

Also means

pay off

Usage Note

lohnen is usually reflexive and impersonal: Es lohnt sich ('it's worth it') is one of the most-used everyday phrases. Built on Lohn ('wages'), it literally frames worthwhileness as a payoff.

Examples

"Der Ausflug lohnt sich wirklich."

Natural Translation

The trip is really worthwhile.

Literal Translation

The trip rewards itself really.

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