verb
to be worth (it), to pay off, to reward
B1
Lohnen means 'to be worth (it)', 'to pay off', or 'to reward'. It is a regular weak verb using haben with participle gelohnt. Often used reflexively as sich lohnen ('es lohnt sich' = it's worth it); non‑reflexive transitive use means 'to reward' or remunerate. Not separable.
Examples
Die Arbeit lohnte sich nicht.
The work wasn't worth it.
Die Firma lohnte die Mitarbeiter für ihre Überstunden angemessen.
The company rewarded the employees appropriately for their overtime.
Das lohnt sich nicht.
It's not worth it.
Details
Mnemonics
Imagine a scale tipping in your favor after effort — the scale 'lohnt' (is worth) the weight of work
Sounds a bit like 'loan' (think: will it repay/ be worth it?)
Notes
Common reflexive usage: 'sich lohnen' (es lohnt sich = it's worth it). Non-reflexive use (e.g., to reward) is less frequent and can sound more formal or old-fashioned in some contexts.