En 15 secondes
- Officially promised to marry.
- Happens after proposal, before wedding.
- More than dating; a public commitment.
- Use for announcing future marriage plans.
Signification
Cette expression décrit l'étape romantique où deux personnes se sont promis de se marier mais n'ont pas encore célébré le mariage. C'est cette phase heureuse 'intermédiaire' où vous êtes officiellement hors du marché et planifiez votre grand jour.
Exemples clés
3 sur 12Texting a friend
Hey! Wollte dir nur kurz sagen, dass Sarah und ich verlobt sind! 🎉
Hey! Just wanted to quickly tell you that Sarah and I are engaged! 🎉
Instagram caption
Der glücklichste Tag meines Lebens! Ich habe Ja gesagt. Wir sind verlobt! 💍 #engaged #futuremrs
The happiest day of my life! I said yes. We are engaged! 💍 #engaged #futuremrs
Family gathering
Mama, Papa, wir haben tolle Neuigkeiten: Lukas und ich sind seit gestern verlobt!
Mom, Dad, we have great news: Lukas and I have been engaged since yesterday!
Contexte culturel
The 'Polterabend' is a unique tradition where friends break dishes in front of the engaged couple's house to ward off evil spirits. In some rural parts of Austria, an engagement was traditionally seen as a binding legal contract that required a 'Handschlag' (handshake) between the fathers. Swiss engagements are often low-key. It is common for couples to be 'verlobt' for many years, sometimes even having children before finally getting married. The 'Engagement Moon' (Verlobungsreise) is a rising trend among young German couples who travel right after getting engaged.
The 'Mit' Rule
Always pair 'verlobt' with 'mit'. If you forget, you'll sound like you're translating from English.
False Friend Alert
Never tell your boss you are 'engagiert' if you mean you're getting married. They'll think you're just working hard!
En 15 secondes
- Officially promised to marry.
- Happens after proposal, before wedding.
- More than dating; a public commitment.
- Use for announcing future marriage plans.
What It Means
This phrase, verlobt sein, signals a very specific and happy relationship status. You're not just dating; you've made a formal promise to marry. It's a commitment to a future together, usually marked by an engagement ring. This stage is full of planning and excitement for the wedding day. It’s a public announcement of your intention to tie the knot.
How To Use It
Use verlobt sein when you want to clearly state that you are engaged. It’s a direct and unambiguous way to share this news. You can use it in sentences about your current status or about someone else's. It’s a common phrase in everyday conversation. Think of it like saying 'I'm getting married soon!' but more formally.
Real-Life Examples
Imagine you're chatting with friends. "Anna und Tom sind seit letztem Jahr verlobt." (Anna and Tom have been engaged since last year.) Or maybe you see a cute couple on Instagram. "Sie sind verlobt! Herzlichen Glückwunsch!" (They are engaged! Congratulations!) It’s used in happy announcements and discussions about upcoming weddings. It’s a positive and celebratory phrase.
When To Use It
Use verlobt sein when you are officially engaged. This means a proposal has happened and been accepted. You're planning a wedding. You want to inform others about this significant life event. It's perfect for telling family, friends, or colleagues. It’s the go-to phrase for this specific status. It’s like wearing a big, shiny 'off the market' sign!
When NOT To Use It
Do NOT use verlobt sein if you are just dating or in a serious relationship. It’s not for couples who are living together but not engaged. Don't use it if you're only casually seeing someone. It implies a commitment to marriage. Using it too early can be awkward or misleading. Save it for the real deal, folks!
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse verlobt sein with simply being in a relationship. They might say "Ich bin in einer Beziehung" (I am in a relationship) when they mean engaged. Or they might try to use verlobt as an adjective incorrectly. The key is the promise of marriage. It's a step beyond just dating. Getting this wrong can lead to funny misunderstandings.
Similar Expressions
While verlobt sein is the standard, you might hear related phrases. "Ein Paar sein" means 'to be a couple,' which is more general. "Zusammenwohnen" means 'to live together,' a different stage. "Heiraten" means 'to marry,' the action itself. Verlobt sein specifically captures the pre-wedding promise phase. It’s like the official ‘almost there’ announcement.
Common Variations
Sometimes, people might say "Wir haben uns verlobt" (We got engaged). This focuses on the act of getting engaged. The phrase verlobt sein describes the state of *being* engaged. Both are common and correct. You might also hear "Sie ist seine Verlobte" (She is his fiancée) or "Er ist ihr Verlobter" (He is her fiancé). These use the noun form.
Memory Trick
Think of the word verlobt sounding a bit like 'love-boat'. Imagine you and your partner are on a 'love-boat' heading towards the 'wedding harbor'. You're officially booked on that cruise, ready to sail into married life! The sein (to be) just confirms you're currently on that ship. It's a journey you're committed to!
Quick FAQ
Q. What's the difference between verlobt sein and in einer Beziehung sein?
A. Verlobt sein means you are officially engaged and planning to marry. In einer Beziehung sein is a broader term for being in a relationship, which could be serious dating or engagement. The former implies a specific promise of marriage.
Q. Can I use verlobt sein for same-sex couples?
A. Absolutely! Verlobt sein is gender-neutral and applies to any couple who has promised to marry each other. Love is love, and the German language reflects that here. It's a universal term for this exciting stage.
Q. Is there a specific way to announce engagement in Germany?
A. Traditionally, parents might announce it, but nowadays, couples often share the news themselves on social media or directly with loved ones. A simple "Wir sind verlobt!" works perfectly. Sometimes a small celebration follows. It’s a joyous occasion!
Notes d'usage
The phrase `verlobt sein` is widely understood and used in neutral contexts, from casual chats to family announcements. While not strictly formal, avoid using it in highly professional or academic writing unless quoting someone or discussing relationships. A key pitfall is confusing it with `verheiratet sein` (to be married) or `zusammen sein` (to be dating).
The 'Mit' Rule
Always pair 'verlobt' with 'mit'. If you forget, you'll sound like you're translating from English.
False Friend Alert
Never tell your boss you are 'engagiert' if you mean you're getting married. They'll think you're just working hard!
Ring Finger
In Germany, look at the left hand for engagement rings and the right hand for wedding rings.
Exemples
12Hey! Wollte dir nur kurz sagen, dass Sarah und ich verlobt sind! 🎉
Hey! Just wanted to quickly tell you that Sarah and I are engaged! 🎉
A casual announcement to a close friend, using emojis for extra warmth.
Der glücklichste Tag meines Lebens! Ich habe Ja gesagt. Wir sind verlobt! 💍 #engaged #futuremrs
The happiest day of my life! I said yes. We are engaged! 💍 #engaged #futuremrs
A celebratory social media post, using hashtags common in modern online communication.
Mama, Papa, wir haben tolle Neuigkeiten: Lukas und ich sind seit gestern verlobt!
Mom, Dad, we have great news: Lukas and I have been engaged since yesterday!
Sharing important personal news with family, showing the phrase's use in a significant announcement.
Vielen Dank für die Einladung. Leider kann ich an der Konferenz nächste Woche nicht teilnehmen, da meine Schwester heiratet und ich bei den Hochzeitsvorbereitungen helfe. Sie ist verlobt.
Thank you for the invitation. Unfortunately, I cannot attend the conference next week because my sister is getting married and I am helping with the wedding preparations. She is engaged.
Explaining a scheduling conflict in a professional context, mentioning a family member's engagement.
Hast du schon gehört? Julia und Mark sind verlobt. Sie planen die Hochzeit für nächsten Sommer.
Have you heard yet? Julia and Mark are engaged. They are planning the wedding for next summer.
Discussing someone else's engagement status in a neutral, informative way.
✗ Ich bin heiraten mit meinem Freund. → ✓ Ich bin mit meinem Freund verlobt.
✗ I am marry with my boyfriend. → ✓ I am engaged to my boyfriend.
This mistake confuses the act of marrying with the state of being engaged. `Verlobt sein` is the correct state.
Mein Bruder ist verlobt, aber seine Verlobte hat ihm gesagt, er soll erstmal lernen, wie man bügelt, bevor sie 'Ja' sagt!
My brother is engaged, but his fiancée told him he has to learn how to iron first before she says 'Yes'!
A lighthearted, slightly teasing comment about engagement and wedding preparations.
✗ Wir sind verlobt seit zwei Jahren. → ✓ Wir sind seit zwei Jahren zusammen.
✗ We are engaged since two years. → ✓ We have been together for two years.
This mistake implies a marriage commitment when the speaker only means they are dating. `Zusammen sein` is for dating.
Sehr geehrte Frau Müller, wir freuen uns, Ihnen mitteilen zu können, dass unsere Tochter, Anna Schmidt, und Herr Thomas Fischer verlobt sind.
Dear Ms. Müller, we are pleased to inform you that our daughter, Anna Schmidt, and Mr. Thomas Fischer are engaged.
A more formal way to announce an engagement, suitable for official communications or when addressing someone you don't know well.
Hey guys, big news! I'm so incredibly happy to share that we're engaged! I can't wait to spend forever with my best friend. We are officially verlobt!
Hey guys, big news! I'm so incredibly happy to share that we're engaged! I can't wait to spend forever with my best friend. We are officially engaged!
A typical vlog-style announcement, mixing English and German for a modern, relatable feel.
Viele Paare sind verlobt, bevor sie heiraten. Die Verlobungszeit ist oft eine schöne Phase der Planung.
Many couples are engaged before they marry. The engagement period is often a beautiful phase of planning.
A general statement about engagements, found in articles or discussions about weddings.
Danke für die Glückwünsche! Ja, wir sind verlobt und total aufgeregt wegen der Hochzeitsplanung.
Thanks for the congratulations! Yes, we are engaged and totally excited about the wedding planning.
A warm reply when someone congratulates you on your engagement.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct preposition and article.
Ich bin seit gestern _______ _______ (my) Freund verlobt.
'Verlobt sein' always takes 'mit' + Dative. 'Freund' is masculine, so 'mein' becomes 'meinem'.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you say 'We got engaged'?
The action of getting engaged is reflexive: 'sich verloben'.
Match the German term with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are the core stages of a relationship.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Bist du mit Thomas verlobt?' B: 'Nein, wir sind schon seit Mai _______.'
The 'Nein' suggests a change in status, and usually, marriage follows engagement.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Engagement vs. Marriage
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesIch bin seit gestern _______ _______ (my) Freund verlobt.
'Verlobt sein' always takes 'mit' + Dative. 'Freund' is masculine, so 'mein' becomes 'meinem'.
How do you say 'We got engaged'?
The action of getting engaged is reflexive: 'sich verloben'.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the core stages of a relationship.
A: 'Bist du mit Thomas verlobt?' B: 'Nein, wir sind schon seit Mai _______.'
The 'Nein' suggests a change in status, and usually, marriage follows engagement.
🎉 Score : /4
Tutoriels video
Trouve des tutoriels vidéo sur YouTube pour cette expression.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, absolutely. It is gender-neutral in its usage as an adjective.
Yes, in Germany it grants certain rights, like the right to refuse to testify against your partner in court.
'Verlobt' is modern and standard; 'versprochen' is poetic and old-fashioned.
No, the status comes from the verbal agreement, though rings are a common symbol.
Use 'mein Verlobter' (m) and 'meine Verlobte' (f).
No, that is incorrect. You must use 'mit ihm'.
It varies, but 1-2 years is typical. Some couples stay engaged for much longer for tax or personal reasons.
Not necessarily, but many Germans celebrate with a 'Verlobungsfeier' or a 'Polterabend'.
Only metaphorically and usually in a humorous or journalistic way.
Technically 'ledig' (single/unmarried), but 'getrennt' (separated) if the engagement ends.
Expressions liées
sich verloben
builds onto get engaged
der Verlobte
specialized formthe fiancé
die Hochzeit
next stepthe wedding
verheiratet sein
contrastto be married
einen Korb geben
contrastto reject someone
