Ræge

Rüge is a German noun meaning a reprimand, rebuke, or admonition. It denotes a formal expression of disapproval issued by an authority toward an individual for inappropriate conduct or breach of rules. The term is used across political, legal, and organizational contexts and is typically recorded in minutes, reports, or the person’s official file.

In parliamentary procedure and similar settings, a Rüge is a formal admonition issued by the presiding officer or the chamber after a breach of decorum or procedural rules. It is usually public and marks a disciplinary moment, but it is distinct from more severe measures such as fines, suspensions, or expulsion. In other organizations, a Rüge may accompany notices of misconduct and serves as the least severe form of formal discipline, potentially influencing future actions or penalties.

Etymologically, the noun derives from the German verb rügen, meaning to rebuke or admonish; the Rüge forms a noun indicating the act or instance of such rebuke. The term is rooted in the German language and has analogues in related Germanic languages, reflecting its function as a formal expression of disapproval.

In English, the closest equivalents are reprimand, censure, or rebuke. The concept emphasizes formal, documented disapproval rather than criminal liability or civil penalties.