das Gelübde
Translation
vow, solemn promise, oath
Examples
Die Nonne legte ein Gelübde ab.
The nun took a vow.
Er hat sein Gelübde gebrochen.
He broke his vow.
Grammar Patterns
ein Gelübde ablegen to take a vow The nun took a vow of poverty.
ein Gelübde brechen/halten to break/keep a vow He broke his vow of silence.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Schwur, Versprechen, Eid
Etymology
From Old High German 'gilubida', related to 'loben' (to praise). It signifies a promise made with praise, often to a deity.
Memory Tips
Connect it to the verb 'geloben' (to vow). 'Gelübde' is the noun, the vow itself, often used in a religious or very solemn context.