01
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
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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
verkünden vs bekannt
known
'bekannt machen' and 'verkünden' both have to do with communicating information to others. 'bekannt machen' is more general and fits many official or public pieces of information. 'verkünden' sounds stronger, more solemn, or more important. For example, you might use 'verkünden' for a decision, a result, or major news. In everyday language, 'bekannt machen' is often more neutral; 'verkünden' fits better when the announcement seems especially important or public.
verkünden
Nach der Sitzung verkündete die Chefin die Entscheidung.
After the meeting, the boss announced the decision.
bekannt
Die Stadt hat den neuen Termin für das Fest bekannt gemacht.
The city announced the new date for the festival.
In real life
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