to swear
Loading your saved state.
to swear
To make a very serious and solemn promise, often by invoking a higher authority such as God or in court. It expresses the highest level of commitment.
Vor Gericht musste der Zeuge schwören, die Wahrheit zu sagen.
In court, the witness had to swear to tell the truth.
This verb has three central usage patterns that you need to know. You can say 'schwören, etwas zu tun' (to swear to do something), 'auf etwas schwören' (to swear by something), or 'sich etwas schwören' (to vow something to oneself).
Ich schwöre, ich habe das nicht gewusst.
I swear I didn't know that.
In the meaning of a serious promise, 'schwören' (to swear) is often used in fixed expressions. Typical ones are 'einen Eid schwören' (to swear an oath), 'Rache schwören' (to swear revenge), or 'jemandem ewige Treue schwören' (to swear eternal loyalty to someone).
Die beiden haben sich am Altar ewige Treue geschworen.
The two of them swore eternal loyalty to each other at the altar.
The expression 'schwören auf' (to swear by) is always used with the preposition 'auf' and the accusative. It expresses that you are absolutely convinced of the quality or effectiveness of something.
Mein Vater schwört auf diese Automarke und würde nie eine andere kaufen.
My father swears by this car brand and would never buy another one.
When you resolve to do something yourself, the verb is used reflexively: 'sich schwören' (to vow to oneself). The person is the subject, and the reflexive pronoun 'sich' is in the dative.
Ich habe mir geschworen, dieses Jahr mehr Sport zu treiben.
I vowed to myself to do more sports this year.
to recommend
'empfehlen' and 'auf etwas schwören' can both mean that you think something is very good and suggest it to others. 'empfehlen' is neutral: you give someone advice because you consider something suitable or good. 'auf etwas schwören' is stronger and more personal. It means that you are very convinced of something and have great trust in it. In everyday life, people often say this about products, methods, or habits. 'Empfehlen' fits almost any situation, including formal ones. 'Auf etwas schwören' sounds more personal and shows a particularly strong opinion.
Mein Kollege schwört auf diese App, weil sie ihm beim Planen hilft.
My colleague swears by this app because it helps him plan.
Die Ärztin empfiehlt viel Wasser und Ruhe nach der Untersuchung.
The doctor recommends plenty of water and rest after the examination.