oath / curse
Loading your saved state.
oath
A solemn, formulaic promise or vow, usually made before an official authority, to affirm the truth of a statement or the binding nature of a promise.
Der Zeuge musste vor Gericht einen Eid ablegen.
The witness had to take an oath in court.
curse
An outdated term, now used only regionally, for a curse or swear word.
In seinem Zorn stieß er einen fürchterlichen Eid aus.
In his anger, he let out a terrible curse.
The noun 'Eid' (oath) is almost always used with fixed verbs. The most common combinations are 'einen Eid ablegen' (to take an oath), 'einen Eid leisten' (to take an oath), or 'einen Eid schwören' (to swear an oath).
Der Bundeskanzler muss bei Amtsantritt einen Eid leisten.
The Federal Chancellor must take an oath when taking office.
In a legal context, the expression 'unter Eid' (under oath) is very common. If someone 'unter Eid aussagt' (testifies under oath), their statement is legally binding and lying is punishable by law.
Die Zeugin bestätigte ihre Aussage unter Eid.
The witness confirmed her statement under oath.
The meaning 'Fluch' (curse) or 'Schimpfwort' (swear word) is outdated. Today, you find it almost only in historical literature or old texts, but no longer in everyday language.
Im alten Gedicht stieß der Ritter einen zornigen Eid gegen seine Feinde aus.
In the old poem, the knight let out an angry curse against his enemies.
vow
Eid and Gelübde are both solemn, binding promises. An Eid is usually sworn using a set formula before an official authority. A Gelübde, by contrast, is often based on a personal, moral, or religious commitment and can also be made in a formal setting.
Vor Gericht bestätigt die Zeugin ihre Aussage mit einem Eid.
The witness confirms her statement under oath in court.
Im Kloster verspricht sie mit einem Gelübde, nach den Regeln des Ordens zu leben.
In the monastery, she vows to live according to the order's rules.
