promise
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promise
A solemn promise or announcement of something positive that is supposed to happen in the future. The term often has a religious or fateful meaning.
Für die Siedler war das unberührte Land eine Verheißung auf ein besseres Leben.
For the settlers, the untouched land was a promise of a better life.
The noun 'Verheißung' is derived from the verb 'verheißen', which means 'to solemnly promise.' If you know the verb, the meaning of the noun is easier to understand.
Der Priester sprach von der Verheißung des ewigen Lebens.
The priest spoke of the promise of eternal life.
'Verheißung' is an elevated, rather literary or religious word. In normal everyday language, it is rarely used for a simple promise.
In alten Texten liest man oft von göttlichen Verheißungen.
In old texts, one often reads about divine promises.
When you want to express what the promise refers to, the preposition 'auf' with the accusative is often used.
Die politische Rede war eine Verheißung auf mehr Gerechtigkeit.
The political speech was a promise of greater justice.
In this meaning, 'Verheißung' is often used for talented people. Typical formulations are 'als große Verheißung gelten' (to be considered a great promise) or 'eine Verheißung für die Zukunft sein' (to be a promise for the future).
Die junge Pianistin gilt in der Musikwelt als eine große Verheißung.
The young pianist is considered a great promise in the music world.
hope
'die Hoffnung' and 'die Verheissung' both look toward something positive in the future. 'Hoffnung' is the feeling or wish that something good will happen. 'Verheissung' is stronger and more solemn: it sounds like a great promise, a special announcement, or a sign of future success. The word often appears in religious, literary, or very elevated contexts. Learners may confuse the words because a 'Verheissung' can inspire hope. In everyday language, however, 'Hoffnung' is usually more natural.
Für viele Menschen war die neue Technik eine Verheissung auf ein leichteres Leben.
For many people, the new technology was a promise of an easier life.
Die neuen Medikamente geben der Familie Hoffnung.
The new medications give the family hope.