Versprechen
/fɛɐ̯ˈʃpʁɛçən/neuter
Promise as a noun in German is Versprechen, as in Das ist ein Versprechen.
Versprechen is the standard word for a promise you make or keep, as in Er hielt sein Versprechen.
Meaning: vow (noun)
Which one should you use?
The noun Versprechen is capitalized and names the promise itself, while the lowercase verb versprechen is the act of promising. For solemn or formal vows German uses geloben. zusichern is a formal verb that carries a sense of assurance.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Versprechen is neuter, so it takes das. The plural is identical to the singular, Versprechen.
How do you pronounce it?
Versprechen is pronounced /fɛɐ̯ˈʃpʁɛçən/. The V sounds like an English f and the stress falls on the second syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
The verb versprechen has a second meaning. Used reflexively it means to misspeak or make a slip of the tongue, so watch the context.
Did you know?
- The word Versprechen originally comes from a term meaning 'to defend verbally' or 'to warrant'.
- The verb versprechen shares a root with the English word 'speak', as sprechen is a cognate of 'speak'.
- Because the noun Versprechen is the same in both singular and plural, the only way to tell if someone made one promise or many is by the article or the context.
Examples in context
- Das ist ein Versprechen.That's a promise.Das ist ein Versprechen is how you say that is a promise.Tatoeba #2239282 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2234936 by Hybrid
- Ja, das versprechen wir.Yes, we promise.Here versprechen is the lowercase verb, so the sentence means yes, we promise.Tatoeba #10270302 by Yorwba, translation #6480100 by Micsmithel
- Er hielt sein Versprechen.He stuck to his promise.Er hielt sein Versprechen means he kept his promise.Tatoeba #741512 by Manfredo, translation #304295 by CK
- Ich verspreche Ihnen, dass ich meine Arbeit termingerecht erledigen werde.I promise you that I will complete my work on time.
- Ich sichere Ihnen zu, dass wir alle notwendigen Maßnahmen ergreifen werden.I assure you that we will take all necessary measures.
- Ich verspreche dir, dass ich dir morgen helfe.I promise you that I'll help you tomorrow.
- 304 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Felix are talking about a secret.
- HannahGib mir dein Versprechen, dass du schweigst.Give me your promise that you will stay silent.
- FelixIch gebe dir mein Versprechen, Hannah.I give you my promise, Hannah.
- HannahEin Versprechen ist sehr wichtig für mich.A promise is very important to me.
- FelixIch werde mein Versprechen auf jeden Fall halten.I will definitely keep my promise.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “promise” translations and entries Versprechen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries versprechen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
