oath / curse
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oath
A solemn, often formal promise that a person makes. A 'Schwur' (oath) carries more weight than a normal promise and is often connected with a ritual action or formula.
Der Zeuge leistete vor Gericht einen Schwur, die Wahrheit zu sagen.
The witness took an oath in court to tell the truth.
curse
A curse or imprecation. This meaning is outdated or literary.
Mit einem finsteren Schwur auf den Lippen verließ er das Dorf für immer.
With a dark curse on his lips, he left the village forever.
The noun 'der Schwur' (the oath) is directly related to the verb 'schwören' (to swear). When a person swears to do or not do something, they take an oath. Understanding the verb therefore helps you understand the noun.
Er schwor, die Wahrheit zu sagen.
He swore to tell the truth.
A 'Schwur' (oath) is usually not 'made' in German, but combined with special verbs. You say 'einen Schwur leisten' (to take an oath) or 'einen Schwur ablegen' (to take an oath). The opposite is 'einen Schwur brechen' (to break an oath).
Die neue Präsidentin legte vor dem Parlament ihren Schwur ab.
The new president took her oath before parliament.
The meaning 'Fluch' (curse) or 'Verwünschung' (imprecation) is outdated and now appears almost only in literary or historical texts. In modern German, 'Schwur' is used exclusively for a solemn promise.
Mit einem finsteren Schwur verfluchte er seine Gegner.
With a dark curse, he cursed his enemies.
oath / curse
Eid and Schwur both refer to a solemn promise of particular importance. An Eid is usually sworn using a set formula before an official authority. A Schwur can also be formal, but it can also refer to a personal or emotional promise made without an official authority.
Vor seiner Familie bekräftigt er sein persönliches Versprechen mit einem Schwur.
In front of his family, he reinforces his personal promise with an oath.
Vor Gericht bekräftigt der Zeuge seine Aussage mit einem Eid.
The witness confirms his statement under oath in court.
