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.
promise
Something that seems to promise great potential or future success.
Der junge Sportler gilt als große Verheißung für die Zukunft des Vereins.
The young athlete is considered a great promise for the future of the club.
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.
to promise
Versprechen is a direct promise for whose fulfillment a person takes responsibility. A Verheissung also announces something positive for the future, but it sounds solemn, religious, or fateful and often does not refer to a personal obligation.
Die alte Schrift enthält die Verheissung einer friedlichen Zukunft.
The ancient text contains the promise of a peaceful future.
Der König verspricht seinem Volk eine friedliche Zukunft.
The king promises his people a peaceful future.
