German word

Versprechung

Pronunciation

IPA/fɛɐ̯ˈʃpʁɛçʊŋ/

Meaning

  • feminine nounpromise

Example

Politiker machen oft Versprechungen.

Politicians often make promises.

Illustration for Versprechung (promise)

More examples

Nach dem Unfall hielt er seine Versprechung.

After the accident, he kept his promise.

Core concept

Words spoken today become an obligation that can later be measured against the promised action.

Common phrases

  • eine Versprechung einhalten

    keep a promise

  • auf eine Versprechung bauen

    count on a promise

  • große Versprechungen machen

    make big promises

Similar words

Versprechen: A brief statement promising that something will be done.
Zusage: An affirmative reply agreeing to carry out a requested action or offer.
Zusicherung: A formal assurance that something will be done, providing confidence.

Definition in German

Ein Nomen für die Äußerung einer verbindlichen Absicht, zukünftig etwas Bestimmtes zu tun.

Word origin

Versprechung is a derivative of versprechen using -ung, a suffix that forms nouns for actions or their results; sprechen is cognate with English speak.

Usage tips

  • The noun Versprechung means a promise, whereas sich versprechen means to misspeak, so the reflexive form changes the meaning rather than merely adding emphasis.

Opposites

Related words

  • versprechenpromiseverb
  • Versprecherslip of the tonguenoun
  • versprechendpromisingadjective

Word lists with this word