ermahnen
Translation
to admonish, to exhort, to urge, to warn
Examples
Die Mutter ermahnte ihr Kind zur Vorsicht.
The mother admonished her child to be careful.
Er ermahnte sie, pünktlich zu sein.
He urged her to be on time.
Grammar Patterns
((sb.)) ((to sth.)) to admonish (sb.) to (sth.) The mother admonished her child to be careful.
((sb.)) ((to do sth.)) to urge (sb.) to do (sth.) He urged her to be on time.
Similar Words
warnen (to warn), auffordern (to urge)
Etymology
From the prefix 'er-' (often for intensification) and 'mahnen' (to remind, warn). It implies a stronger, more formal warning or reminder.
Memory Tips
Think of 'mahnen' as sending a 'Mahnung' (a dunning letter/reminder). 'Ermahnen' is a more personal, spoken version of this, like a serious piece of advice.