German word

versprechen

Pronunciation

IPA/fɛɐ̯ˈʃprɛçən/

Meaning

  • verbpromise

Example

Du versprichst mir, morgen zu kommen.

You promise me that you'll come tomorrow.

Illustration for versprechen (promise)

More examples

Im Gespräch hat sie sich versprochen.

In conversation, she misspoke.

Core concept

Spoken words tie a speaker to a future act, or slip into the wrong form when the speaker misspeaks.

Common phrases

  • jemandem etwas versprechen

    promise someone something

  • sich versprechen

    misspeak

Similar words

zusagen: Agree to do something in response to an offer or request.
sich versprechen: Accidentally use a different word from the one intended while speaking.
versichern: State that facts or intentions are certain to reassure someone.
garantieren: Guarantee that a problem will not occur.

Definition in German

jemandem durch Worte zusagen, eine bestimmte Handlung zu erfüllen

Word origin

Versprechen combines the prefix ver- with sprechen, 'speak'; the verb developed meanings including making a pledge and saying something incorrectly.

Usage tips

  • A promised recipient takes the dative, as in jemandem etwas versprechen; sich versprechen means 'to misspeak'.

Other meanings

  • misspeakverb

Opposites

Related words

  • Versprechenpromisenoun
  • versprochenpromisedadjective

Word lists with this word