Entlohnen

Entlohnen is a German verb meaning to remunerate, compensate, or reward, especially for work or services rendered. It denotes the provision of pay or other benefits in exchange for performance or contribution. The noun Entlohnung refers to the remuneration itself; Vergütung is a closely related term, while Gehalt or Lohn describe the employee’s regular pay in common usage.

In practice, entlohnen encompasses a range of compensation components. These include base pay, bonuses, performance-based pay, overtime, allowances, and non-monetary benefits such as health insurance or pension contributions. The concept emphasizes that compensation should reflect value delivered, market standards, and legal requirements. In HR and employment contracts, examples include: "Der Arbeitnehmer wird entsprechend seiner Leistungen entlohnt." Pay structures may be fixed, variable, or blended, and may include long-term incentives such as stock options.

Legal and policy context: In Germany and in other German-speaking contexts, entlohnen is governed by statutory rules, collective agreements (Tarifverträge), and individual contracts. The minimum wage (Mindestlohn) provides a wage floor, while many sectors follow negotiated pay scales. Employers must ensure fairness and transparency in entlohnung and comply with anti-discrimination laws and the principle of equal pay for equal work.

Related terms include Entlohnung, Vergütung, Gehalt, Lohn, Tarifvertrag, Leistungsorientierte Vergütung, and Bonus. See also salary structures and wage policy.