assurance / guarantee
Loading your saved state.
assurance
A binding and often formal promise or assurance that something specific will be done or is the case. It creates trust and certainty.
Wir haben die Zusicherung erhalten, dass die Ware bis Freitag geliefert wird.
We received the assurance that the goods will be delivered by Friday.
guarantee
In a legal or contractual context, a guarantee or declaration that a certain property of an item or a fact is true.
Im Kaufvertrag fehlt die Zusicherung, dass das Fahrzeug unfallfrei ist.
The purchase contract lacks a guarantee that the vehicle has not been in an accident.
The noun “die Zusicherung” (assurance/guarantee) is derived from the separable verb “zusichern.” “Zusichern” means to firmly promise or guarantee something to someone.
Der Verkäufer sicherte mir zu, dass das Auto keine Mängel hat.
The seller assured me that the car has no defects.
The content of the assurance is very often expressed with a subordinate clause beginning with the conjunction “dass” (that). The verb of the subordinate clause then comes at the end.
Ich habe die Zusicherung, dass ich die Prüfung wiederholen darf.
I have the assurance that I may retake the exam.
“Eine Zusicherung” (an assurance) is typically combined with the verbs “geben” (to give), “machen” (to make), or “erhalten/bekommen” (to receive/get).
Die Firma gab uns die Zusicherung, den Schaden schnell zu beheben.
The company gave us the assurance that it would repair the damage quickly.
In the meaning of a guarantee, “Zusicherung” is a formal word used mainly in legal and business contexts such as contracts or official documents.
Die schriftliche Zusicherung über die Lieferzeit ist Teil des Vertrags.
The written guarantee regarding the delivery time is part of the contract.
to promise
Versprechen is used for a personal promise and usually sounds less formal. A Zusicherung is also a binding promise, but it places greater emphasis on the security it provides and is often used in a more formal or institutional context.
Lea erhält von der Firma die schriftliche Zusicherung, dass sie nächste Woche freibekommt.
The company gives Lea written assurance that she will have next week off.
Die Chefin verspricht Lea persönlich, dass sie nächste Woche freibekommt.
The boss personally promises Lea that she will have next week off.
