verb
to promise, to vow
B1
Means to promise or to vow (to give your word). Typical construction: jemandem etwas versprechen (promise someone something). It’s irregular/strong: present e→i in du/er (du versprichst), Präteritum versprach, participle versprochen. Auxiliary haben; reflexive sich versprechen means 'to misspeak'. Also common non‑reflexive use.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.EXAMPLES
Ich habe es dir versprochen.
I promised it to you.
Er versprach feierlich, niemals aufzugeben.
He vowed solemnly never to give up.
Ich verspreche dir, dass ich komme.
I promise you that I will come.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.DETAILS_LABEL
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.MNEMONICS
Picture someone extending their hand and saying 'I promise' while crossing their heart.
Starts like 'verse' — think of promising a verse or promise a verse to someone.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.NOTES
Non-separable, irregular (strong) verb. Can be used reflexively (sich versprechen) with a different meaning: to misspeak.