Verb

versprechen

Translation

to promise

Sie versprachen, pünktlich zu sein.

They promised to be on time.

Wir versprachen ihm unsere Hilfe.

We promised him our help.

Ich versprach mir viel von dem neuen Job.

I expected a lot from the new job.

((j-m)) ((et4)) to promise (sb. dat.) (sth. acc.) He promised me a gift.

((et4)) zu + Infinitive to promise to do (sth.) She promised to call soon.

((sich3)) ((et4)) von+3 to expect (sth. acc.) from (sth. dat.) I expect a lot from this project.

Synonyms: to assure, to swear; Antonyms: to cancel, to revoke

From 'ver-' (a prefix, often for emphasis or completion) + 'sprechen' (to speak). To 'speak forth' a commitment.

You 'sprechen' (speak) words to make a promise. The 'ver-' prefix makes it a formal commitment.