verkünden
to announce
To formally and publicly announce something important or official, often in a solemn way.
EXAMPLE
Das Gericht wird morgen um 10 Uhr das Urteil verkünden.
The court will announce the verdict tomorrow at 10 a.m.
verkünden
to announce / proclaim
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Meanings
verkünden
to proclaim
To preach or spread a religious teaching or message.
EXAMPLE
Der Priester reiste durch das Land, um das Evangelium zu verkünden.
The priest traveled through the country to proclaim the Gospel.
Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Verkünden' (to announce / proclaim) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'ver-' remains firmly attached to the verb stem in all sentence forms and tenses.
EXAMPLE
Der König verkündete seine Entscheidung dem Volk.
The king announced his decision to the people.
Register and style
This verb is formal and has a solemn character. It is used for important, official announcements, not for everyday information.
EXAMPLE
Der Firmenchef verkündete die Fusion auf einer Pressekonferenz.
The company CEO announced the merger at a press conference.
Typical collocations
In its official meaning, 'verkünden' (to announce) is often combined with important information. Typical objects are 'ein Urteil' (a verdict), 'ein Ergebnis' (a result), 'eine Entscheidung' (a decision), or 'eine Nachricht' (a piece of news).
EXAMPLE
Die Jury wird morgen den Gewinner des Wettbewerbs verkünden.
The jury will announce the winner of the competition tomorrow.
Context clue
This meaning is found almost exclusively in a religious context. You can recognize it from words like 'Evangelium' (Gospel), 'Botschaft' (message), 'Glaube' (faith), or 'Wort Gottes' (word of God).
EXAMPLE
Die Missionare reisten um die Welt, um ihren Glauben zu verkünden.
The missionaries traveled around the world to proclaim their faith.
Compare with
erklärenankündigenmitteilenerlassentönenbekanntgebenausrufenpredigendeklarierenverlautenproklamieren
verkünden vs erklären
to explain / declare
Erklären can refer to a formal statement that officially establishes a particular status. Verkünden, on the other hand, emphasizes the solemn public announcement of an important decision. Thus, a government might erklären (declare) war, while verkünden (announce) a decision that has already been made.
verkünden
Die Regierung verkündet die bereits getroffene Entscheidung in einer öffentlichen Ansprache.
The government announces the decision that has already been made in a public address.
erklären
Die Regierung erklärt dem Nachbarland offiziell den Krieg.
The government officially declares war on the neighboring country.
In real life
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