01
beschwören
to swear
To solemnly and emphatically assure something, often as if under oath.
example
Ich kann beschwören, dass ich die Tür abgeschlossen habe, bevor wir gegangen sind.
I can swear that I locked the door before we left.
beschwören
to swear / to summon
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The verb is derived from 'schwören' (to swear). The prefix 'be-' intensifies the action or directs it toward an object. The basic idea of a solemn oath is still recognizable in many meanings.
EXAMPLE
Er schwor, immer die Wahrheit zu sagen.
He swore to always tell the truth.
Inseparable verb
'Beschwören' (to swear / to summon) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'be-' is never separated from the verb stem in any form.
EXAMPLE
Sie beschwor ihre Unschuld vor Gericht.
She swore to her innocence in court.
Separable verb
Careful: 'heraufbeschwören' (to bring about) is a different, separable verb. The prefix 'herauf-' comes at the end in a main clause. It means to unintentionally cause a negative situation.
EXAMPLE
Seine Rede beschwor einen Streit herauf.
His speech brought about an argument.
Context clue
The object of the verb helps you recognize the meaning. Are you swearing to a fact ('dass ...' — that ...), imploring a person ('dich' — you), summoning spirits, or bringing about a crisis? Each object leads to a different meaning.
EXAMPLE
Ich beschwöre dich, mir zu helfen!
I implore you to help me!
Sentence structure
In the meaning 'feierlich versichern' (to solemnly assure), a 'dass' (that) clause often follows, expressing exactly what is being assured.
EXAMPLE
Er beschwor, dass er nichts von dem Plan gewusst habe.
He swore that he had known nothing about the plan.
Compare with
beschwören vs bitten
to ask / request
'bitten' and 'beschwören' can both mean that you want someone to do something. 'bitten' is the normal word for a polite question or request. It fits everyday situations, with friends, in the family, or at work. 'beschwören' is much stronger and more emotional. You use it when someone is almost pleading or very urgently demanding that the other person do something or stop doing something. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with expressing a wish to another person. Most of the time, 'bitten' is correct; 'beschwören' only fits when the situation is serious, urgent, or very emotional.
beschwören
Adam beschwört seinen Bruder am Telefon, vor der Reise vorsichtig zu fahren.
Adam implores his brother on the phone to drive carefully before the trip.
bitten
Wir bitten den Lehrer um etwas mehr Zeit für die Aufgabe.
We ask the teacher for a little more time for the assignment.
In real life
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