Verb

mahnen

Translation

to remind, to urge, to warn, to dun

Die Firma mahnt die offene Rechnung.

The company is sending a reminder for the outstanding bill.

Er mahnte sie zur Vorsicht.

He urged her to be cautious.

Das Denkmal mahnt an die Opfer des Krieges.

The monument is a reminder of the victims of the war.

((sb.)) ((an+4)) to remind (sb.) of (sth.) The monument reminds us of peace.

((sb.)) ((zu+3)) to urge (sb.) to (sth.) The doctor urges him to rest.

((sth.)) to send a reminder for (sth.) The library is sending reminders for the overdue books.

Synonyms: erinnern (to remind), ermahnen (to admonish), warnen (to warn)

From Old High German 'manōn' (to have in mind), related to the English word 'mind'. It's about bringing something to someone's mind.

Imagine a 'man' (sounds like 'mahn-') standing over you, reminding you to pay your bills. It often has a slightly negative or urgent connotation.