ich verspreche es
The German phrase for 'I promise' is ich verspreche es.
The phrase is used to provide a firm guarantee that you will definitely do something. While English speakers often say 'I promise' as a standalone sentence, German speakers typically include the object es (it) to say 'I promise it'. In casual settings, you might also hear the single word Versprochen! to mean 'Promised!' or 'It's a deal!'
Which one should you use?
Unlike English, where 'I promise' can stand alone naturally, the German phrase ich verspreche es includes the object es (it).
How does it change in a sentence?
When you promise something to a specific person, you often add a dative pronoun to the phrase, such as dir (to you) or ihm/ihr (to him/her). If you want to follow the promise with a full clause, such as 'I promise that I will come', use the conjunction dass and place the conjugated verb at the end of that clause.
Did you know?
- The German word Versprechen creates a linguistic paradox because it means both 'a promise' and 'a slip of the tongue'.
- In historical legal contexts, a promise was often reinforced by the phrase Mein Wort darauf, meaning 'my word upon it'.
- To make a promise sound even more binding, Germans may use the phrase fest versprechen, which literally means to 'promise firmly'.
Examples in context
- Ich verspreche es.I promise.Tatoeba #2159649 by Vortarulo, translation #2111800 by CK
- Ich verspreche es!I promise!Tatoeba #3177539 by a_coder, translation #1357086 by sacredceltic
- „Versprich mir, dass du keine Dummheiten machst, solange ich weg bin!“ – „Ich verspreche es dir.“"Promise me you won't do anything stupid while I'm away." "I promise."This demonstrates how to include a person (the dative 'dir') when making a promise.Tatoeba #8075025 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #11797188 by sundown
Example conversation
Sarah and Lukas are discussing a borrowed book.
- SarahGibst du mir mein Buch morgen zurück?Will you give my book back to me tomorrow?
- LukasJa, ich verspreche es.Yes, I promise.
- SarahBist du sicher, dass du es nicht vergisst?Are you sure you won't forget it?
- LukasIch verspreche es dir, Sarah.I promise it to you, Sarah.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
