Bedeutung
To be honest with a friend.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The 'Honest Finn' (rehti suomalainen) is a national archetype. Keeping a promise is seen as a core part of this identity. Breaking a promise is one of the quickest ways to lose respect in Finnish society. In Sami traditions, oral promises and agreements regarding land and reindeer were historically as binding as any modern law. Trust is the foundation of the community. Even in the age of apps, 'ghosting' is seen very negatively in Finland. If you make a plan on WhatsApp, you are expected to 'pitää lupaus'. Finnish business culture is low-context. People mean what they say. If a partner says they will send a report, they will. 'Pitää lupaus' is the basis of Finnish economic success.
The 'n' ending
Remember to add '-n' to 'lupaus' (lupauksen) when you are talking about a specific, completed promise.
Don't over-promise
In Finland, it's better to say 'I'll try' than to promise and fail. 'Pitää lupaus' is taken very seriously.
Bedeutung
To be honest with a friend.
The 'n' ending
Remember to add '-n' to 'lupaus' (lupauksen) when you are talking about a specific, completed promise.
Don't over-promise
In Finland, it's better to say 'I'll try' than to promise and fail. 'Pitää lupaus' is taken very seriously.
Use possessive suffixes
Saying 'pidän lupaukseni' (I keep my promise) sounds much more natural than just 'pidän lupauksen'.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'pitää'.
Minä haluan ______ lupauksen ystävälle.
After 'haluan' (I want), you need the infinitive form of the verb.
Which sentence is grammatically correct and natural?
Choose the best option:
In a specific past action, 'lupaus' takes the accusative '-n' ending.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: Miksi tulit tänne sateessa? B: Koska lupasin auttaa, ja haluan ______.
The context implies the speaker is fulfilling a commitment.
Match the situation to the correct Finnish expression.
You promised to call your friend at 6 PM and you do it.
This is the definition of keeping a promise.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenMinä haluan ______ lupauksen ystävälle.
After 'haluan' (I want), you need the infinitive form of the verb.
Choose the best option:
In a specific past action, 'lupaus' takes the accusative '-n' ending.
A: Miksi tulit tänne sateessa? B: Koska lupasin auttaa, ja haluan ______.
The context implies the speaker is fulfilling a commitment.
You promised to call your friend at 6 PM and you do it.
This is the definition of keeping a promise.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
No, 'säilyttää' means to preserve or store (like food in a fridge). For promises, always use 'pitää'.
Then you 'pidät lupauksen ystäville' (plural allative).
Generally, no. It is considered very rude and can damage your reputation significantly.
You say 'Minä lupaan'.
An 'empty promise'—one that you don't intend to keep.
Yes, though 'pitää lupaus puolisolle' is the specific form.
No, it's one of the most complex verbs in Finnish. Context is everything!
'Lupaus' is a promise; 'vala' is a formal oath (like in court).
You can say 'Pidän sanani'.
Verwandte Redewendungen
pysyä sanassaan
synonymTo stay in one's word.
rikkoa lupaus
contrastTo break a promise.
olla sanansa mittainen
similarTo be as good as one's word.
perua puheensa
contrastTo take back one's words.
