die  Rüge

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʁyːɡə/

🧐 What does "die Rüge" mean?

Die Rüge (noun, feminine) refers to a formal or official reprimand, rebuke, or expression of disapproval. It is often issued within a hierarchical relationship (e.g., at the workplace, by an authority, in an association) to complain about misconduct or a breach of duty. A Rüge is generally more serious than simple Kritik (criticism) but less severe than an Abmahnung (formal warning) or a penalty.

It's an expression of censure aimed at drawing attention to misconduct and encouraging a change in behaviour.

• Formal reprimand: Often in writing, e.g., from a supervisor.
• Expression of disapproval: A clear sign that behaviour is not accepted.

⚠️ A Rüge should not be confused with a legal Abmahnung (formal warning), although it can be a precursor in an employment context.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📝 Grammar of "die Rüge" in Detail

The noun "Rüge" is feminine. The article is die.

Example Sentences

1. Der Mitarbeiter erhielt eine schriftliche Rüge für sein Zuspätkommen.
   (The employee received a written reprimand for his lateness.)
2. Die wiederholten Rügen führten schließlich zur Kündigung.
   (The repeated reprimands eventually led to termination.)
3. Wegen des Verstoßes gegen die Vereinsregeln wurde ihm eine Rüge erteilt.
   (He was given a reprimand for violating the club rules.)
4. Eine öffentliche Rüge kann sehr unangenehm sein.
   (A public rebuke can be very unpleasant.)

🗣️ How to use "Rüge"?

"Die Rüge" is primarily used in formal or official contexts. Here are typical use cases:

• Workplace: A supervisor gives an employee a Rüge for misconduct or poor performance.
• Authorities/Administration: An authority can issue a Rüge if regulations have been violated.
• Associations/Organizations: Members can be reprimanded (gerügt werden) for breaking rules.
• Press/Public: The German Press Council (Presserat) can issue a Rüge against media outlets (e.g., öffentliche Rüge - public reprimand).
• Parliament: Members of parliament can receive a Rüge (often called Ordnungsruf) for improper conduct.

Difference from similar words:

• Kritik: Is more general and can also be positive or constructive; often more informal.
• Tadel: Similar to Rüge, but perhaps slightly less formal or less severe.
• Verweis: Often used synonymously with Rüge, but can also have a stricter, disciplinary character (e.g., Schulverweis - school suspension/expulsion).
• Abmahnung: A legally relevant step, especially in employment law, which can lead to further consequences (e.g., termination) if repeated. A Rüge is often less formal than an Abmahnung.

Common phrases are "jemandem eine Rüge erteilen" (to issue a reprimand to someone) or "eine Rüge bekommen/erhalten" (to receive a reprimand).

💡 Mnemonics for "die Rüge"

Article Mnemonic: Many German nouns ending in -e with two syllables are feminine. Think of: die Lampe (lamp), die Tasche (bag), die Rose (rose)... and also die Rüge.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine someone important looking very stern and saying something rude (sounds like Rüge) because you messed up – that's the feeling of getting a Rüge. Or think of it as someone giving you a huge telling-off (R-huge-e).

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

☝️ Note: While similar, the connotations and level of formality can vary among synonyms.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Chef dem Wecker eine Rüge erteilt?

(Why did the boss give the alarm clock a reprimand?)

Weil er immer zu spät dran war, ihn morgens zu wecken!

(Because it was always too late waking him up in the morning!)

📜 A Short Poem about Rüge

Ein Fehler schnell passiert,
(A mistake happened quickly,)
Der Chef hat's registriert.
(The boss registered it.)
Ein Brief kommt angeflogen,
(A letter comes flying in,)
Man fühlt sich schwer betrogen.
(You feel badly cheated.)
Kein Lob, kein nettes Wort,
(No praise, no kind word,)
Die Rüge ist der neue Sport.
(The reprimand is the new sport.)
Man senkt den Kopf und denkt sich still:
(You lower your head and think quietly:)
Das nächste Mal ich's besser will!

🧩 Riddle Time

Ich bin kein Lob, ich bin kein Preis,
(I am no praise, I am no prize,)
Ich komme oft ganz offiziell und leis’ (oder laut!).
(I often come quite officially and quiet (or loud!).)
Für Fehler oder falsches Tun,
(For mistakes or wrong actions,)
Lass' ich den Missetäter selten ruh'n.
(I rarely let the culprit rest.)
Im Job, im Amt, im Verein,
(In the job, in office, in a club,)
Kann ich eine ernste Warnung sein.
(I can be a serious warning.)

Was bin ich? / What am I?

Lösung / Solution: die Rüge

ℹ️ Other Information

Word Composition/Origin:

The word "Rüge" is related to the verb "rügen", which means to reprimand, criticize, or object to something. Its origin traces back to Middle High German "rüegen", which originally meant "to accuse" or "to report". This underscores the often formal or official nature of a Rüge.

Trivia:

• In German press law, the "öffentliche Rüge" (public reprimand) by the German Press Council (Deutscher Presserat) serves as a sanction for violations of the press code.
• In parliamentary settings, the Rüge (often called "Ordnungsruf") is a measure taken against members who disrupt order.