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.
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The meaning 'Fluch' (curse) or 'Schimpfwort' (swear word) is outdated.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.
insurance / assurance
'die Versicherung' and 'der Eid' can both express that someone firmly promises something or emphasizes the truth. Here, 'die Versicherung' is usually a firm promise or assurance in normal conversation or in writing. 'der Eid' is much more solemn and official. People often take an oath in court or before an authority. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with a strong promise. In practice: for a normal assurance, 'Versicherung' fits; for an official oath, 'Eid' fits.
Vor Gericht musste der Zeuge einen Eid leisten.
In court, the witness had to take an oath.
Nach dem Gespräch gab mir Anna die Versicherung, dass sie den Fehler sofort meldet.
After the conversation, Anna gave me her assurance that she would report the mistake immediately.