die
Verlobung
💍 What Does 'die Verlobung' Mean?
Die Verlobung is a feminine German noun that means engagement. It refers to the mutual promise between two people to marry each other in the future. It represents the formal status between the marriage proposal (der Heiratsantrag) and the wedding (die Hochzeit). Traditionally, this step is often symbolized by the exchange of engagement rings (Verlobungsringe).
The word always takes the feminine article die. There are no alternative meanings associated with different articles. You can often recognize feminine nouns by the suffix -ung.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-ung → always feminine.
There are many -ung words, we won't list them all. There are only a few exceptions.
Grammar Spotlight: Declining 'die Verlobung'
Verlobung is a feminine noun, so its article is die.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Verlobung |
| Accusative | die | Verlobung |
| Dative | der | Verlobung |
| Genitive | der | Verlobung |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Verlobungen |
| Accusative | die | Verlobungen |
| Dative | den | Verlobungen |
| Genitive | der | Verlobungen |
Example Sentences
- Die Verlobung wurde im kleinen Kreis gefeiert. (The engagement was celebrated among close friends/family.)
- Sie zeigte stolz den Ring ihrer Verlobung. (She proudly showed the ring from her engagement.)
- Nach einer langen Verlobung heirateten sie endlich. (After a long engagement, they finally got married.)
- Wir gratulieren euch herzlich zur Verlobung! (We warmly congratulate you on your engagement!)
How and When to Use 'Verlobung'
The term die Verlobung is used to describe the period and state of being promised in marriage.
- Typical Contexts: Announcements (Ankündigungen), celebrations (Feiern), discussions about wedding planning (Hochzeitsplanung), legal aspects (rechtliche Aspekte) (less relevant today).
- Common Phrases:
- die Verlobung bekannt geben / feiern (to announce / celebrate the engagement)
- die Verlobung lösen / auflösen (to break off the engagement)
- seit der Verlobung (since the engagement)
- Distinction: A Heiratsantrag is the act of proposing ("Willst du mich heiraten?"), while die Verlobung is the state that follows the acceptance.
- Formality: Although engagements (Verlobungen) are often handled less formally today than in the past, the term still signifies a serious promise to marry.
Mnemonics for 'die Verlobung' 💡
Article Mnemonic: Remember that nouns ending in -ung in German are almost always feminine. Think of die Meinung (opinion), die Hoffnung (hope), die Bedeutung (meaning) – and die Verlobung. They all use die!
Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine someone making a vow or promise (like a *vow*-lobung -> Verlobung) to their *love* (which sounds a bit like *lob* in Verlobung). This links the promise and love aspect to the word engagement.
Synonyms, Antonyms & Similar Words
✅ Synonyms
- Verlöbnis: A slightly dated but correct term for engagement.
- Heiratsversprechen: Literally 'marriage promise', describes the core meaning directly.
⚠️ Similar Sounding Words (Potential Confusion!)
- Verabredung: An appointment or date, unrelated to a marriage promise.
- Vergebung: Forgiveness.
A Little Joke 😄
German: Fragt sie ihn kurz nach der Verlobung: "Schatz, wirst du mich auch nach der Hochzeit noch so lieben?" Er: "Das hängt davon ab, wer dein Mann wird!"
English Translation: Shortly after the engagement, she asks him: "Honey, will you still love me like this after the wedding?" He replies: "That depends on who your husband will be!"
Poetic Promises 💖
German:
Die Verlobung, ein zartes Band,
Ein Ring, ein Wort, Hand in Hand.
Ein Blick nach vorn, ins Glück hinein,
Bald wird man für immer zusammen sein.
Ein Versprechen, leise gesagt,
Das Herz hat den Partner erfragt.
Die Zukunft beginnt, hell und klar,
Als verlobtes, glückliches Paar.
English Translation:
The engagement, a tender tie,
A ring, a word, hand-in-hand nearby.
A look ahead, towards fortune's gleam,
Soon forever together, a waking dream.
A promise, softly spoken low,
The heart asked for its partner so.
The future starts, both bright and clear,
As an engaged, happy couple dear.
What Am I? A Riddle 🤔
German:
Ich bin ein Versprechen, oft mit Glanz am Finger,
Ein Schritt zur Ehe, ein Freudenspringer.
Ich bin die Zeit, bevor die Glocken klingen,
In der zwei Herzen sich aneinander schwingen.
Was bin ich?
English Translation:
I am a promise, often with shine on a finger,
A step towards marriage, a joy-bringer.
I am the time before the bells chime,
In which two hearts swing together in rhyme.
What am I?
Solution: Die Verlobung (The Engagement)
More Insights into 'Verlobung' 🧐
- Word Origin: The word Verlobung comes from the verb verloben (to get engaged), which is related to loben (to praise, but historically also to promise or vow). The prefix ver- often intensifies the meaning of the base verb.
- Traditions in Germany: It's common in Germany for the engagement ring (der Verlobungsring) to be worn on the ring finger of the left hand. After the wedding, the wedding ring (der Ehering) is often moved to the ring finger of the right hand (unlike in many English-speaking countries).
- Legal Aspects: Historically, an engagement (Verlobung) carried more significant legal weight in Germany. Today, the legal consequences of breaking off an engagement are minimal, although gifts might potentially be returned or expenses reimbursed under certain circumstances.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Verlobung?
The article for Verlobung is 'die'. It is a feminine noun (indicated by the -ung ending) referring to the engagement or the promise to marry between two people. There are no alternative articles or meanings for this word.