Ehegelübde
The German phrase for "wedding vows" is Ehegelübde.
Ehegelübde refers to the formal promises that two people make to each other during a marriage ceremony. A common, slightly less formal alternative used to describe these promises is das Eheversprechen.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Ehegelübde is a compound of Ehe, meaning marriage and Gelübde, meaning vows or solemn promises.
Which one should you use?
While Ehegelübde is the standard term, das Eheversprechen is a common alternative that is slightly less formal.
How does it change in a sentence?
Ehegelübde is the plural form and can be used with the definite article die or without any article at all.
Did you know?
- In some traditional German wedding customs, the couple does not just exchange Ehegelübde but also performs a Baumstamm sägen. This involves sawing a log together to symbolise their first joint obstacle as a married couple.
- The word Gelübde in Ehegelübde is the same term used for the lifelong vows of poverty and chastity taken by monks and nuns.
- A German speaker might use the term das Ja-Wort, which literally means 'the yes-word', as a colloquial way to refer to the act of making wedding vows.
Examples in context
- Ihre Ehegelübde waren sehr berührend.Their wedding vows were very touching.
- Wir müssen uns noch über die Ehegelübde Gedanken machen.We still need to think about the wedding vows.
- Er schrieb seine Ehegelübde erst gestern Abend.He only wrote his wedding vows yesterday evening.
Example conversation
Sarah and Felix are sitting in a cafe discussing their upcoming wedding.
- SarahHast du schon Ideen für deine Ehegelübde, Felix?Do you already have ideas for your wedding vows, Felix?
- FelixNein, ich brauche noch ein bisschen Zeit.No, I still need a little time.
- SarahMeine Ehegelübde sind fast fertig.My wedding vows are almost finished.
- FelixDas klingt gut, Sarah.That sounds good, Sarah.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Ehegelübde, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
