promise
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promise
An assurance or vow to do or refrain from doing something specific. Often used synonymously with 'das Versprechen' (promise), sometimes with the connotation that it might be empty words.
Er machte viele Versprechungen, aber hielt nur wenige davon.
He made many promises, but kept only a few of them.
The noun 'die Versprechung' (promise) is derived from the verb 'versprechen' (to promise). The ending '-ung' is often used in German to form a feminine noun from a verb.
Ihre Versprechung, pünktlich zu sein, hat sie nicht gehalten.
She did not keep her promise to be on time.
Common verbs used with 'Versprechung' (promise) are 'eine Versprechung machen' (to make a promise), 'eine Versprechung halten' (to keep a promise), or the opposite 'eine Versprechung brechen' (to break a promise).
Einem Kind eine Versprechung zu machen, ist eine große Verantwortung.
Making a promise to a child is a big responsibility.
When indicating to whom something is promised, that person or group is in the dative. The structure is: 'jemandem eine Versprechung machen' (to make someone a promise).
Der Politiker machte den Bürgern viele Versprechungen.
The politician made many promises to the citizens.
The word 'Versprechung' (promise) can sometimes have a negative connotation and suggest that an assurance is not meant seriously or is perceived as empty talk.
Das waren doch alles nur leere Versprechungen!
Those were all just empty promises!
acceptance / confirmation
'die Zusage' and 'die Versprechung' can both mean that someone says: Yes, I will do that. 'Zusage' often sounds more matter-of-fact and fits well with responses to invitations, applications, appointments, or offers. It can also be binding. 'Versprechung' puts more emphasis on the personal promise to do something or not do something. Sometimes it can also sound as if it might remain just words. Learners may confuse the words because both express a positive commitment. In practice: for an invitation or official response, 'Zusage' is more natural; for a personal promise, 'Versprechung' is more likely.
Seine Versprechung, jeden Tag zu helfen, hat er leider nicht lange gehalten.
Unfortunately, he did not keep his promise to help every day for very long.
Nach dem Vorstellungsgespräch bekam Anna eine Zusage für die neue Stelle.
After the interview, Anna received an acceptance for the new position.