to prophesy
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to prophesy
To predict or foretell a future event, often with a tone of certainty or special insight. The word can be used both for serious prophecies and for ironic or warning predictions.
Ich prophezeie dir, dass diese unüberlegte Entscheidung noch zu Problemen führen wird.
I prophesy to you that this rash decision will still lead to problems.
'Prophezeien' (to prophesy) is the verb related to 'der Prophet' (the prophet) and 'die Prophezeiung' (the prophecy). All of these words have to do with predicting future events.
Was der alte Mann prophezeite, trat tatsächlich ein.
What the old man prophesied actually came true.
The person to whom something is predicted is in the dative. The prediction itself can be an accusative object or a 'dass' (that) clause.
Der Experte prophezeit der Wirtschaft ein schwieriges Jahr.
The expert prophesies a difficult year for the economy.
The word often has a serious, almost solemn, or even ironic undertone. It sounds more dramatic and fateful than the neutral verb 'vorhersagen' (to predict).
Er prophezeite schon vor Jahren den Untergang der Firma.
Years ago, he prophesied the downfall of the company.
to predict
'vorhersagen' and 'prophezeien' both have to do with statements about the future. 'vorhersagen' sounds factual and fits when you assess a development using knowledge, data, or observations. 'prophezeien' sounds stronger and often more solemn, warning, or even ironic. It gives the impression that someone is very sure or has special insight. Learners may confuse the words because both mean 'to say something about the future'. For weather, the economy, or normal planning, 'vorhersagen' is usually more natural; 'prophezeien' fits better with major warnings, prophecies, or joking statements.
Mein Freund prophezeite schon am Morgen, dass die Besprechung im Chaos endet.
My friend prophesied already in the morning that the meeting would end in chaos.
Niemand konnte vorhersagen, dass der Zug heute so lange Verspätung hat.
No one could predict that the train would be so delayed today.