der
Verweis
📖 What does 'der Verweis' mean?
Der Verweis (masculine) is a German noun with two primary meanings:
- 1. Reference or Cross-Reference: Ein Verweis can point to another place in a text, another document, a source, or a website. It's often used similarly to the English words reference or citation. For instance, ein Link (a link) on the internet is a digital Verweis. This is often called ein Querverweis (cross-reference).
- 2. Reprimand or Rebuke (especially official): Ein Verweis can also be a formal rebuke or reprimand, often in a school or work context. It's usually a milder form of disciplinary action. For example: Ein Schüler bekommt einen Verweis wegen schlechten Benehmens (A student receives a reprimand for bad behavior). ⚠️ This meaning often carries a negative connotation.
The specific meaning usually becomes clear from the context.
🧐 Grammar: 'Der Verweis' in Detail
The noun "Verweis" is masculine. Here is its declension:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Verweis |
| Genitive | des | Verweises |
| Dative | dem | Verweis / Verweise* |
| Accusative | den | Verweis |
*The dative ending -e is less common and considered more formal.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Verweise |
| Genitive | der | Verweise |
| Dative | den | Verweisen |
| Accusative | die | Verweise |
📝 Example Sentences
- (Meaning: Reference) In der Fußnote finden Sie einen Verweis auf die Originalquelle.
(In the footnote, you will find a reference to the original source.) - (Meaning: Reference) Der Text enthält zahlreiche Verweise auf weiterführende Literatur.
(The text contains numerous references to further literature.) - (Meaning: Reprimand) Wegen wiederholten Zuspätkommens erhielt der Schüler einen strengen Verweis.
(Due to repeated lateness, the student received a strict reprimand.) - (Meaning: Reprimand) Der Chef erteilte ihm einen mündlichen Verweis für sein unprofessionelles Verhalten.
(The boss gave him a verbal reprimand for his unprofessional behavior.)
🗣️ How to use 'der Verweis'?
- In academic/written contexts: Here, der Verweis is common as a reference or citation (e.g., Literaturverweis - literature reference, Querverweis - cross-reference). Hyperlinks are also often referred to as (digital) Verweise.
- In school/work/official contexts: Here, the meaning of reprimand or rebuke dominates (e.g., schriftlicher Verweis - written reprimand, disziplinarischer Verweis - disciplinary reprimand). It's a formal measure.
- Difference from 'Hinweis': Ein Hinweis is more general and can be any kind of hint or piece of information. Ein Verweis (as a reference) is more specific, usually directing to a particular place or source.
- Verbs: The related verb is verweisen (auf) (meaning to refer to) or jemanden verweisen (meaning to reprimand someone or to eject someone from a place).
🧠 Mnemonics to Remember
Article Mnemonic: Think of the person giving the reprimand - maybe *DER* strict teacher or *DER* boss gave *DER Verweis*.
Meaning Mnemonic: Verweis sounds a bit like "fair wise". A *fair wise* person gives a good *reference* (pointing something out), but sometimes they must also give a *reprimand* (pointing out a mistake).
↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
- For Reference/Citation: `Hinweis` (hint, note), `Referenz` (reference), `Querverweis` (cross-reference), `Quellenangabe` (source citation), `Beleg` (proof, evidence), `Link` (link)
- For Reprimand/Rebuke: `Tadel` (reprimand, blame), `Rüge` (rebuke, reproof), `Zurechtweisung` (reprimand), `Ermahnung` (admonition), `Schelte` (scolding, colloquial), `Disziplinarmaßnahme` (disciplinary measure, formal)
Antonyms:
- For Reprimand/Rebuke: `Lob` (praise), `Anerkennung` (recognition, appreciation), `Belobigung` (commendation), `Auszeichnung` (award, distinction)
- (There's no direct antonym for the 'reference' meaning, perhaps only the absence of one.)
⚠️ Similar Words:
Be careful not to confuse Verweis with Hinweis. A Hinweis is more general (any hint or note), while a Verweis is either a specific reference or a formal reprimand.
😄 A Little Joke
Fragt der Lehrer: "Fritzchen, warum hast du schon wieder deine Hausaufgaben nicht gemacht? Das gibt einen Verweis!" Antwortet Fritzchen: "Super! Ich sammle die. Ab zehn Stück gibt's doch bestimmt ein Fahrrad, oder?"
Translation: The teacher asks: "Fritzchen, why haven't you done your homework again? That means a reprimand ('Verweis')!" Fritzchen replies: "Great! I collect them. After ten, you surely get a bicycle, right?"
📜 Poem about 'Verweis'
Ein Strich auf dem Papier,
der Verweis, er ist nun hier.
Mal zeigt er auf ein kluges Buch,
Mal ist er nur ein ernster Fluch.
Ein Fingerzeig, wohin man schaut,
Oder Tadel, streng und laut.
Ob Quelle oder Schulverdruss,
Ein Verweis hat seinen Schuss.
Translation:
A line upon the page,
The 'Verweis', now takes the stage.
Sometimes points to a wise book's lore,
Sometimes it's just a curse, and sore.
A finger points where one should look,
Or reprimand, by hook or crook.
Be it source or school's harsh plight,
A 'Verweis' carries its own might.
❓ Riddle Time
Ich kann dich auf die Spur bringen,
oder Tadel zu dir singen.
Im Buch zeig' ich zur nächsten Seit',
in der Schule mach' ich Ärger breit.
Was bin ich, meist männlich genannt?
Translation:
I can put you on the right track,
or sing a reprimand, alack.
In books, I show the following page,
in school, I often cause outrage.
What am I, usually called masculine?
Answer: Der Verweis
💡 Other Information
Word Formation: The word Verweis is a nominalization (substantivization) of the verb stem of verweisen. The prefix ver- can indicate direction (verweisen auf - to refer to) or have a negative/intensifying function (jemanden verweisen - to reprimand, to expel).
Context is Key: The meaning of Verweis is highly dependent on the context. Always pay attention to whether a reference or a reprimand is intended.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Verweis?
The word "Verweis" is masculine, so it's der Verweis. It means either a reference/cross-reference (e.g., in texts or as a link) or a reprimand/rebuke (e.g., at school or work).