das
Versprechen
🤝 What Exactly is a 'Versprechen'?
Das Versprechen (noun, neuter) refers to a Zusage (commitment) or a binding statement to do or refrain from doing something specific. It expresses an intention that another person should be able to rely on.
At its core, it's about Vertrauen (trust) and Verpflichtung (obligation). A kept Versprechen strengthens relationships, while a broken one can cause disappointment.
🚨 Risk of Confusion: The word der Versprecher (masculine) means a slip of the tongue (lapsus linguae), i.e., when you misspeak. It has nothing to do with a promise!
Article rules for der, die, and das
Deverbal nouns → immer neutral.
These are nouns derived from verbs. They are also called Verbalsubstantive or Verbalnomen.
🧐 Grammar of "das Versprechen" in Detail
The noun "Versprechen" is neuter and uses the article "das". It follows the strong declension pattern.
| Case | Article + Noun |
|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | das Versprechen |
| Genitive (Possessive) | des Versprechens |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | dem Versprechen |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | das Versprechen |
| Case | Article + Noun |
|---|---|
| Nominative | die Versprechen |
| Genitive | der Versprechen |
| Dative | den Versprechen |
| Accusative | die Versprechen |
📝 Example Sentences
- Er gab mir sein Versprechen, pünktlich zu sein. (He gave me his promise to be punctual.)
- Auf dieses Versprechen kannst du dich verlassen. (You can rely on this promise.)
- Das Brechen eines Versprechens kann schwerwiegende Folgen haben. (Breaking a promise can have serious consequences.)
- Sie hielt alle ihre Versprechen. (She kept all her promises.)
🗣️ When and How to Use "das Versprechen"?
"Das Versprechen" is used when talking about a commitment or obligation. Typical contexts include:
- Ein Versprechen geben (to give a promise): Ich gebe dir mein Versprechen.
- Ein Versprechen halten (to keep a promise): Er hat sein Versprechen gehalten.
- Ein Versprechen brechen (to break a promise): Sie hat leider ihr Versprechen gebrochen.
- Sich auf ein Versprechen verlassen (to rely on a promise): Kann ich mich auf dein Versprechen verlassen?
It's a crucial word in social interactions, agreements (even verbal ones), and personal relationships. It implies a certain level of seriousness and commitment.
The related verb is versprechen (to promise: ich verspreche, du versprichst, er/sie/es verspricht).
⚠️ Remember not to confuse das Versprechen (the promise) with der Versprecher (the slip of the tongue).
💡 Mnemonics to Remember
Article Mnemonic: Think of 'das Vow' or 'das Pledge' – words similar in meaning and often associated with neutrality or formality, like the neuter article das. Das Versprechen fits this pattern.
Meaning Mnemonic: Ver-sprech-en – you speak (sprech) something that is meant to be binding (ver- often implies completion or commitment). It's a spoken word that counts.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for Versprechen
Synonyms (Similar Meaning)
- Die Zusage: Commitment, assurance - Often less formal but still binding.
- Das Gelöbnis: Vow, pledge - A solemn, often public promise.
- Der Schwur: Oath - A very strong promise, often made under oath.
- Das Ehrenwort: Word of honor - A promise based on one's honor.
Antonyms (Opposite Meaning)
- Die Absage: Refusal, cancellation - Notification that something won't happen or won't be done.
- Der Widerruf: Retraction, revocation - Taking back a previous statement or promise.
- Die Lüge: Lie - A deliberately false statement; the opposite of an honest promise.
- Der Vertragsbruch: Breach of contract - Failure to comply with a formal agreement (can be a broken promise).
⚠️ Don't confuse: As mentioned, der Versprecher (slip of the tongue) is not a synonym and has a completely different meaning.
😂 A Little Joke
DE: Warum sind gebrochene Versprechen wie Wolkenkratzer? Man fängt klein an, aber am Ende ist der Fall tief!
EN: Why are broken promises like skyscrapers? You start small, but in the end, the fall is deep!
📜 A Poem About Promises
DE:
Ein Wort, so leicht gesagt, im Wind verweht?
Nein, das Versprechen ist's, das fest besteht.
Ein Band des Zutrau'ns, fein gesponnen,
Wird's gehalten, ist viel gewonnen.
Doch bricht es leicht, mit leisem Klang,
Bleibt oft zurück ein schaler Zwang.EN:
A word, so lightly said, blown by the breeze?
No, the promise it is, that stands with ease.
A bond of trust, finely spun,
If kept, much is truly won.
But breaks so easily, with a soft sound,
Often leaving a stale constraint around.
❓ Riddle Time
DE:
Ich werde gegeben, doch hab keine Hand.
Ich kann gebrochen werden, bin aber kein Band.
Ich baue Vertrauen oder bringe Leid.
Was bin ich, gegeben für die Ewigkeit – oder nur für kurze Zeit?
EN:
I am given, but have no hand.
I can be broken, but I'm not a band.
I build trust or bring distress.
What am I, given for eternity – or just for briefness?
Solution: das Versprechen (the promise)
🧩 Other Details
Word Composition: The noun "das Versprechen" is derived from the verb "versprechen" (to promise). This verb is composed of the prefix "ver-" (which can indicate reinforcement or a directed action here) and the verb "sprechen" (to speak). So, literally, it's something that you speak out and thus establish or commit to.
Cultural Significance: Keeping promises (Versprechen halten) is considered an important social norm and virtue in German culture (and many others). The saying "Ein Mann, ein Wort" (A man, a word) underscores this importance, although it's interpreted more gender-neutrally today.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Versprechen?
The word "Versprechen" is a noun and takes the article das. The correct form is always das Versprechen (e.g., das gegebene Versprechen - the given promise, das gebrochene Versprechen - the broken promise).