promettre in 30 Sekunden
- Promettre means to promise or give one's word for a future action.
- It is an irregular verb conjugated like 'mettre' (past participle: promis).
- Common structures include 'promettre de + infinitive' and 'promettre que + indicative'.
- It can also mean 'to show signs of' or 'to be promising' in abstract contexts.
The French verb promettre is a foundational pillar of communication, acting as a verbal bridge between the present intention and a future action. At its core, it signifies the act of giving one's word, creating a moral or social obligation to fulfill a specific task or maintain a certain state. Derived from the Latin promittere (pro- 'forward' + mittere 'to send'), it literally suggests 'sending forth' a word or a commitment into the future. In the French linguistic landscape, promettre is more than just a synonym for 'to say'; it carries the weight of reliability and expectation.
- Core Definition
- To engage oneself to do something or to give something.
- Social Nuance
- It implies a contract of trust between the speaker and the listener.
- Abstract Usage
- Can describe signs that suggest a future outcome (e.g., 'The sky promises a storm').
When you use promettre, you are not merely predicting; you are pledging. This distinction is vital for A2 learners who are transitioning from simple descriptions to expressing intentions and interpersonal commitments. Whether it is a child promising to finish their homework or a politician promising reform, the verb remains the same, though the gravity shifts.
"Je te promets que nous irons au parc demain." (I promise you that we will go to the park tomorrow.)
Furthermore, promettre can be used transitively with a direct object. For example, 'promettre la lune' (to promise the moon) is a common idiom meaning to make unrealistic promises. The verb also exists in the reflexive form, se promettre, which means to resolve to do something or to promise oneself a particular reward or outcome. This internal dialogue highlights the verb's versatility in expressing personal determination.
"Elle lui a promis fidélité." (She promised him loyalty.)
- Temporal Aspect
- It always points toward the future, even when conjugated in the past.
- Grammatical Category
- An irregular third-group verb, following the pattern of 'mettre'.
In literature and formal rhetoric, promettre is used to build tension or set expectations. A 'promising' situation (une situation prometteuse) uses the participial adjective form to indicate potential. Understanding this verb allows a learner to navigate the complexities of French social contracts, from the simplest 'Je promets' to the most complex legal engagements.
"Le ciel promet du beau temps pour la fête." (The sky promises beautiful weather for the party.)
Finally, the verb is often paired with indirect objects. You promise something to someone (promettre quelque chose à quelqu'un). This 'à' is crucial for correct syntax. For instance, 'Je promets à Marie de venir' (I promise Marie to come). This structure is a hallmark of intermediate French grammar and mastering it marks a significant step in a student's progress.
"Nous promettons de respecter les règles." (We promise to respect the rules.)
"Ils se sont promis de se revoir." (They promised each other to see each other again.)
Using promettre correctly requires attention to its three primary syntactic structures. Each structure changes how the sentence is built and what information is conveyed. Mastery of these patterns is essential for moving beyond basic A1 French into the more expressive A2 and B1 levels.
1. Promettre [Quelque Chose] à [Quelqu'un]
This is the most direct use. You are promising a noun (an object, a result, a gift) to a person. Note the use of the preposition à before the person.
- Je promets un cadeau à mon fils. (I promise a gift to my son.)
- Le patron a promis une augmentation aux employés. (The boss promised a raise to the employees.)
Grammar Tip: When using pronouns, the indirect object pronoun (me, te, lui, nous, vous, leur) comes before the verb.
Je lui promets. (I promise him/her.)
2. Promettre de + [Infinitive]
This structure is used when you promise to perform an action. The preposition de is mandatory before the infinitive verb. This is a very common source of errors for English speakers who might want to omit the 'de'.
- Il promet de finir le travail. (He promises to finish the work.)
- Nous promettons de ne pas oublier. (We promise not to forget.)
3. Promettre que + [Clause]
When you want to promise a whole fact or a future event, use que followed by a subject and a verb. Usually, the verb in the que clause is in the future tense or the present tense.
- Je te promets qu'il viendra. (I promise you that he will come.)
- Elle promet qu'elle fera attention. (She promises that she will be careful.)
Conjugation Patterns
Promettre is conjugated exactly like mettre. This means the 'tt' is dropped in the singular present forms (je promets, tu promets, il promet) but returns in the plural (nous promettons, vous promettez, ils promettent). In the passé composé, the past participle is promis.
"J'ai promis d'aider ma sœur." (I promised to help my sister.)
In everyday conversation, the phrase 'C'est promis !' is used as a standalone interjection to mean 'It's a promise!' or 'I cross my heart!'. It is a very natural way to end a commitment.
The verb promettre resonates through various layers of French society, from the intimate whispers of a family home to the booming speeches of the Palais de l'Élysée. Understanding these contexts helps a learner choose the right tone and expect the word in specific scenarios.
1. In the Family and Personal Relationships
This is where most learners first encounter the word. It is used for chores, behavior, and emotional commitments. Parents often ask their children: 'Tu me le promets ?' (Do you promise me?).
"Promets-moi de m'appeler quand tu arrives." (Promise me to call me when you arrive.)
2. Political and Public Discourse
In France, political life is heavily centered around les promesses électorales (campaign promises). You will hear journalists asking: 'Peut-on promettre une baisse des impôts ?' (Can we promise a tax cut?). The word here takes on a more formal, often skeptical, tone.
3. Business and Professional Settings
In a professional context, promettre is used for deadlines and deliverables. However, in very formal contracts, verbs like s'engager à (to commit to) might be preferred. Use promettre for verbal agreements between colleagues.
- Je vous promets un retour d'ici demain. (I promise you a response by tomorrow.)
- L'entreprise a promis des innovations majeures. (The company promised major innovations.)
4. Media and Weather Forecasts
Metaphorically, promettre is used to describe what the future 'looks like'. A weather reporter might say: 'Le week-end promet d'être ensoleillé' (The weekend promises to be sunny). In film reviews, you might hear: 'Ce film promet d'être un grand succès' (This film promises to be a great success).
"La soirée promet d'être longue." (The evening promises to be long.)
Finally, in literature and songs, promettre is a staple of romantic expression. Johnny Hallyday's famous song 'Je te promets' is a perfect example of the verb used to express deep, poetic commitment.
Even for intermediate learners, promettre presents several linguistic pitfalls. Avoiding these common errors will significantly improve your fluency and accuracy.
1. Forgetting the Preposition 'De'
The most frequent mistake is following promettre directly with an infinitive, as is often done in English. In French, you must use de.
- ❌ Incorrect
- Je promets venir. (Literal translation of 'I promise to come')
- ✅ Correct
- Je promets de venir.
2. Confusion with 'Permettre'
Because they sound similar and share the same root (mettre), students often swap promettre (to promise) with permettre (to allow/permit). Remember: Pro- is for 'forward' (promise), Per- is for 'through' (permit).
3. Incorrect Past Participle
Since it's an irregular verb, many learners try to regularize it. They might say 'prometté' or 'promu'. The only correct past participle is promis.
- J'ai promis. (I promised.)
- C'est une chose promise. (It's a promised thing - note the feminine agreement).
4. Using the Subjunctive
Learners often think that because a promise involves a future uncertainty, they should use the subjunctive after promettre que. However, promettre expresses a declaration of intent, which requires the indicative.
- ❌ Incorrect
- Je promets qu'il vienne. (Subjunctive)
- ✅ Correct
- Je promets qu'il viendra. (Future Indicative)
5. Missing the Indirect Object 'À'
When promising something to someone, the 'à' is essential. You cannot say 'Je promets lui'. It must be 'Je lui promets' (where 'lui' replaces 'à lui').
"Il a promis à son père de réussir." (He promised his father to succeed.)
To truly master promettre, you should understand its synonyms and how they differ in nuance. French has several ways to express commitment, ranging from casual to legally binding.
- Jurer (To Swear)
- Much stronger than promettre. It often implies a religious or solemn oath. Use it when you want to emphasize that you are telling the absolute truth or are 100% committed.
'Je te jure que c'est vrai !' - S'engager à (To Commit to)
- More formal and professional. It is used in contracts or serious personal resolutions. It implies a formal obligation.
'Je m'engage à terminer ce projet.' - Assurer (To Assure/Guarantee)
- Focuses on removing doubt from the listener. It's about giving confidence.
'Je vous assure que tout ira bien.'
"Il s'engage à rembourser ses dettes." (He commits to paying back his debts.)
There is also the verb garantir (to guarantee), which is often used in commercial contexts or when one is certain of a result. While promettre is personal, garantir is often more objective.
Finally, consider convenir (to agree/stipulate). This is used when two parties come to a mutual promise or agreement. Promettre is usually one-way, whereas convenir is reciprocal.
"Nous avons convenu d'un rendez-vous." (We agreed on an appointment.)
How Formal Is It?
Aussprachehilfe
Schwierigkeitsgrad
Wichtige Grammatik
Verbs followed by 'de'
Indirect object pronouns
Future tense formation
Irregular verbs like mettre
Reported speech basics
Beispiele nach Niveau
Je promets.
I promise.
Present tense, 1st person singular.
Tu promets ?
Do you promise?
Interrogative form.
Il promet un cadeau.
He promises a gift.
Verb + direct object.
Nous promettons.
We promise.
Present tense, 1st person plural.
Elle promet d'être sage.
She promises to be good.
Promettre de + infinitive.
Je te promets.
I promise you.
Use of indirect object pronoun 'te'.
C'est promis.
It's a promise.
Fixed expression using the past participle.
Ils promettent beaucoup.
They promise a lot.
Present tense, 3rd person plural.
J'ai promis de venir à huit heures.
I promised to come at eight o'clock.
Passé composé with 'de'.
Il lui a promis une glace.
He promised her an ice cream.
Indirect object 'lui'.
Nous promettons de faire attention.
We promise to be careful.
Present tense + de + infinitive.
Est-ce que tu as promis à Marie ?
Did you promise Marie?
Passé composé with 'à'.
Je ne promets rien.
I promise nothing.
Negative form with 'rien'.
Vous promettez de m'aider ?
Do you promise to help me?
Question with 'vous'.
Elle a promis qu'elle viendrait.
She promised that she would come.
Promettre que + conditional (reported speech).
Ils ont promis de ne pas crier.
They promised not to shout.
Negative infinitive 'ne pas crier'.
Je te promets que tout ira bien.
I promise you that everything will be fine.
Promettre que + future tense.
Le ciel promet un bel orage.
The sky promises a beautiful storm.
Metaphorical use for weather.
Elle s'est promis de réussir son examen.
She promised herself to pass her exam.
Reflexive form 'se promettre'.
Nous avions promis de les appeler.
We had promised to call them.
Plus-que-parfait tense.
Ce nouveau projet promet beaucoup.
This new project promises a lot.
Intransitive use meaning 'has potential'.
Il m'a promis qu'il ne recommencerait plus.
He promised me that he wouldn't do it again.
Negative future in a 'que' clause.
Vous aviez promis, vous devez le faire.
You had promised, you must do it.
Past tense indicating obligation.
Je me promets une bonne soirée.
I'm looking forward to a good evening (promising myself).
Reflexive use for anticipation.
Le candidat promet monts et merveilles.
The candidate promises the world.
Idiomatic expression.
Cette situation promet d'être complexe.
This situation promises to be complex.
Abstract subject + promet de + infinitive.
Il a promis fidélité à son pays.
He promised loyalty to his country.
Formal direct object.
Elle ne promet que ce qu'elle peut tenir.
She only promises what she can keep.
Restrictive 'ne... que'.
Le film est très prometteur.
The film is very promising.
Adjective form 'prometteur'.
Je vous promets une réponse rapide.
I promise you a quick response.
Professional register.
Ils se sont promis de ne jamais se quitter.
They promised each other never to leave each other.
Reciprocal reflexive.
Ça promet pour la suite !
That bodes well (or ill) for what's next!
Idiomatic, often ironic use.
L'avenir nous promet de grands défis.
The future holds (promises) great challenges for us.
Abstract personification.
Il s'est vu promettre un poste de direction.
He was promised a management position.
Passive-like reflexive structure.
La plume de cet auteur promet un chef-d'œuvre.
This author's writing style promises a masterpiece.
Metonymy (the pen for the writer).
On ne peut promettre l'impossible.
One cannot promise the impossible.
Philosophical statement.
Sa mine renfrognée ne promettait rien de bon.
His scowling face didn't bode well.
Idiom 'ne rien promettre de bon'.
Elle a promis, sous serment, de dire la vérité.
She promised, under oath, to tell the truth.
Formal legal context.
Le traité promet une paix durable.
The treaty promises a lasting peace.
Political/Historical context.
Je ne saurais vous promettre un succès total.
I couldn't promise you total success.
Use of 'ne saurais' for polite doubt.
L'aube promettait une journée radieuse.
The dawn gave promise of a radiant day.
Literary description.
Il a promis sa main à la fille du roi.
He promised his hand to the king's daughter.
Archaic/Romantic expression.
La conjoncture actuelle ne promet guère de croissance.
The current economic situation hardly promises growth.
Formal 'guère' negation.
Elle s'est promise à un destin hors du commun.
She destined herself (promised herself) to an extraordinary fate.
Existential reflexive use.
Promettre et tenir sont deux.
Promising and keeping are two different things.
Proverbial expression.
Ce vin promet de s'améliorer avec l'âge.
This wine promises to improve with age.
Oenological context.
L'accord promettait monts et merveilles, mais n'aboutit à rien.
The agreement promised the world but led to nothing.
Contrast between promise and reality.
Il lui promit, d'un ton sans réplique, qu'il reviendrait.
He promised her, in a tone that brooked no argument, that he would return.
Narrative past simple (passé simple).
Synonyme
Gegenteile
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
Wird oft verwechselt mit
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
Leicht verwechselbar
Permettre means to give permission; promettre means to give your word.
Jurer is more intense/solemn than promettre.
Assurer focuses on the certainty of the listener.
Satzmuster
So verwendest du es
Usually followed by future or present after 'que'.
'Se promettre' can mean to intend to do something or to promise each other.
Always 'promettre à quelqu'un'.
- Saying 'Je promets Marie' instead of 'Je promets à Marie'.
- Using 'promu' instead of 'promis' as the past participle.
- Forgetting the 'de' in 'promettre de faire'.
- Using the subjunctive after 'promettre que'.
- Confusing 'promettre' with 'permettre' (to allow).
Tipps
The 'De' Rule
Never forget the 'de' when an infinitive follows 'promettre'. It's the most common mistake for English speakers.
Silent S
In 'je promets' and 'tu promets', the final 's' is silent. The word sounds like 'pro-mè'.
Word Family
Learn 'promesse' (noun) and 'promis' (past participle) together to build your vocabulary faster.
Sarcasm Alert
Be careful with 'Ça promet !'. If someone drops a cake, saying 'Ça promet' means 'This is going to be a disaster'.
Formal Letters
In professional contexts, use 'Je vous promets de faire le nécessaire' to sound reliable.
Proverb
Remember 'Chose promise, chose due' to sound like a native when reminding someone of a promise.
Mettre Pattern
If you know how to conjugate 'mettre', you know 'promettre', 'permettre', and 'admettre'.
Pinky Promise
While 'promis' is enough, children often say 'Promis, juré, craché !' (Promise, sworn, spat!).
Que vs De
Train your ear to hear if a subject follows (que) or a verb follows (de).
Daily Goal
Try to make one promise in French today, even if it's just 'Je promets de manger une pomme'.
Einprägen
Wortherkunft
Latin 'promittere'
Kultureller Kontext
'Une promesse de vente' is a preliminary contract in real estate.
'Ça promet !' is often used sarcastically when something starts badly.
It is better not to promise than to promise and not deliver.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Gesprächseinstiege
"Qu'est-ce que tu t'es promis de faire cette année ?"
"Est-ce que tu tiens toujours tes promesses ?"
"Quelle est la plus belle promesse qu'on t'ait faite ?"
"Peut-on tout promettre par amour ?"
"Que penses-tu des promesses des politiciens ?"
Tagebuch-Impulse
Écris sur une promesse que tu as tenue.
Décris une situation qui 'promet' d'être intéressante.
Fais une liste de promesses à toi-même pour le futur.
Pourquoi est-il important de ne pas promettre l'impossible ?
Raconte une histoire qui commence par 'Je te promets que...'
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNo, it is an irregular verb of the third group, conjugated like 'mettre'.
Use 'à' for the person (promettre à Marie) and 'de' for the action (promettre de venir).
No, you should use the indicative: 'Je promets que tu seras là'.
The past participle is 'promis'.
It usually means 'This is going to be something!' often in a sarcastic or negative way.
You use the reflexive form: 'Je me promets'.
Yes, it is the adjective form meaning 'promising'.
Yes, e.g., 'Le ciel promet de l'orage'.
S'engager is more formal and implies a stronger, often written, commitment.
Yes, it is very common in daily conversation to reassure someone.
Teste dich selbst 180 Fragen
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Mastering 'promettre' involves knowing its irregular conjugation (promets, promettons, promis) and always remembering the 'de' before an infinitive. It is the essential verb for expressing commitment and future intentions in French.
- Promettre means to promise or give one's word for a future action.
- It is an irregular verb conjugated like 'mettre' (past participle: promis).
- Common structures include 'promettre de + infinitive' and 'promettre que + indicative'.
- It can also mean 'to show signs of' or 'to be promising' in abstract contexts.
The 'De' Rule
Never forget the 'de' when an infinitive follows 'promettre'. It's the most common mistake for English speakers.
Silent S
In 'je promets' and 'tu promets', the final 's' is silent. The word sounds like 'pro-mè'.
Word Family
Learn 'promesse' (noun) and 'promis' (past participle) together to build your vocabulary faster.
Sarcasm Alert
Be careful with 'Ça promet !'. If someone drops a cake, saying 'Ça promet' means 'This is going to be a disaster'.
Verwandte Inhalte
Verwandte Redewendungen
Mehr communication Wörter
À bientôt
A1Bis bald.
accepter
A2Etwas Angebotenes annehmen oder zustimmen. Eine Situation oder Bedingung tolerieren.
accord
A2Eine Vereinbarung oder Harmonie zwischen Personen.
accueillir
A2Jemanden bei seiner Ankunft empfangen oder willkommen heißen. Auch: Platz für eine bestimmte Anzahl von Personen bieten.
actualité
A2Das aktuelle Geschehen oder die Nachrichten.
adresser
A2To address, to speak or write to someone.
affabulation
B2A fabricated story or statement, often fanciful or exaggerated.
affirmation
B2Eine Bestätigung ist eine Aussage, die besagt, dass etwas wahr ist oder existiert. Es ist eine starke Erklärung oder Bekräftigung.
affirmer
B1Etwas mit Bestimmtheit behaupten oder feststellen. Sich als Person oder in einer Rolle behaupten und durchsetzen.
allô
A1Hallo (am Telefon); wird verwendet, um einen Anruf entgegenzunehmen.
