A2 Collocation Neutral 2 min de lectura

verlobt sein

To be engaged

Literalmente: to be betrothed/engaged

Use `verlobt sein` to describe the official, romantic period between a proposal and the wedding day.

En 15 segundos

  • Used to describe the state of being promised in marriage.
  • Always pair it with the verb 'sein' for the current state.
  • Use the preposition 'mit' to name your future spouse.

Significado

This phrase describes the romantic stage where two people have promised to marry each other but haven't had the wedding yet. It's that happy 'in-between' phase where you're officially off the market and planning your big day.

Ejemplos clave

3 de 6
1

Announcing news to a friend

Stell dir vor, wir sind seit gestern verlobt!

Imagine, we've been engaged since yesterday!

🤝
2

Introducing a partner to a colleague

Das ist Marc, wir sind verlobt.

This is Marc, we are engaged.

💼
3

Texting a group chat with a ring emoji

Endlich verlobt! 💍

Finally engaged!

😊
🌍

Contexto cultural

In German-speaking cultures, an engagement is a binding legal concept in some historical contexts, though today it's mostly romantic. Interestingly, while the US focuses on a surprise proposal, many German couples decide to be 'verlobt' through a mutual, practical discussion. The tradition of the engagement ring has become much more popular recently due to global influence.

💡

The 'Mit' Rule

Always use 'mit' when mentioning the partner. 'Ich bin mit ihm verlobt' is the only correct way to link the two.

⚠️

False Friend Alert

Never use 'verlobt' for a business engagement. Use 'einen Termin haben' for meetings, or you'll get some very confused looks!

En 15 segundos

  • Used to describe the state of being promised in marriage.
  • Always pair it with the verb 'sein' for the current state.
  • Use the preposition 'mit' to name your future spouse.

What It Means

verlobt sein is the sweet spot of a relationship. You have asked or answered the big question. Now, you are officially headed toward marriage. It is more serious than just dating. It is a public promise to your partner. In English, we simply say "to be engaged."

How To Use It

Using this phrase is very straightforward. You combine the subject with the verb sein (to be) and the word verlobt. If you want to say who you are engaged to, use the preposition mit. For example: Ich bin mit Sarah verlobt. It works just like an adjective. You can use it for yourself or to describe others.

When To Use It

Use this when sharing your big news with friends. It is perfect for a social media announcement. You might also use it in a semi-formal setting. For instance, when introducing your partner to a boss. It clarifies that the relationship is very serious. It is also common during wedding planning conversations. You will hear it at family gatherings often.

When NOT To Use It

Be careful not to use this for business. In English, you might have a "business engagement." In German, that is a Termin or Verabredung. Never use verlobt for a meeting or an appointment. Also, do not use it for casual dating. If you are just "seeing someone," use zusammen sein. verlobt implies a ring or a formal promise.

Cultural Background

In Germany, the engagement ring is traditionally worn on the left hand. After the wedding, many Germans move the ring to the right hand. Some even buy a new wedding band for the right hand. Engagements in Germany can last a long time. It is not unusual to be verlobt for two or three years. It is seen as a time to save money and plan carefully.

Common Variations

You will often hear the reflexive verb sich verloben. This describes the actual act of getting engaged. For example: Wir haben uns gestern verlobt. If you want to talk about the event itself, use die Verlobung. Your partner becomes mein Verlobter (male) or meine Verlobte (female). These terms sound a bit fancy but are very common.

Notas de uso

This is a neutral collocation suitable for almost any social situation. Just remember that it refers to the status of the relationship, not the act of proposing.

💡

The 'Mit' Rule

Always use 'mit' when mentioning the partner. 'Ich bin mit ihm verlobt' is the only correct way to link the two.

⚠️

False Friend Alert

Never use 'verlobt' for a business engagement. Use 'einen Termin haben' for meetings, or you'll get some very confused looks!

💬

The Ring Finger

In Germany, the engagement ring usually sits on the left hand. On the wedding day, the wedding band goes on the right!

Ejemplos

6
#1 Announcing news to a friend
🤝

Stell dir vor, wir sind seit gestern verlobt!

Imagine, we've been engaged since yesterday!

A very common way to share the news excitedly.

#2 Introducing a partner to a colleague
💼

Das ist Marc, wir sind verlobt.

This is Marc, we are engaged.

Provides clear context about the relationship status.

#3 Texting a group chat with a ring emoji
😊

Endlich verlobt! 💍

Finally engaged!

Short and punchy for social media or texts.

#4 A joke about being single
😄

Ich bin mit meinem Sofa verlobt.

I am engaged to my sofa.

A humorous way to say you're staying home.

#5 Asking about someone's status
😊

Bist du eigentlich schon lange mit ihm verlobt?

Have you actually been engaged to him for a long time?

Using 'mit' to connect the engagement to a person.

#6 An emotional moment between partners
💭

Ich bin so froh, mit dir verlobt zu sein.

I am so happy to be engaged to you.

Expressing deep feelings about the commitment.

Ponte a prueba

Fill in the correct form of 'sein' to complete the sentence.

Wir ___ seit zwei Monaten verlobt.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: sind

Since the subject is 'Wir' (we), you must use the plural form 'sind'.

Choose the correct preposition to say who you are engaged to.

Er ist ___ seiner Freundin verlobt.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: mit

In German, you are always engaged 'mit' (with) someone.

🎉 Puntuación: /2

Ayudas visuales

Formality of 'verlobt sein'

Informal

Telling your best friend over drinks.

Wir sind verlobt!

Neutral

General conversation or social media.

Ich bin verlobt.

Formal

Official documents or formal introductions.

Mein Sohn ist verlobt.

When to use 'verlobt sein'

verlobt sein
🍽️

Family Dinner

Sharing the news with parents.

📸

Social Media

Posting a photo of the ring.

🍰

Wedding Planning

Talking to a caterer.

🏢

Office Chat

Explaining why you're happy.

Preguntas frecuentes

11 preguntas

It means to be engaged to be married. It's the state of having promised to marry someone.

You say Ich bin verlobt. Simple as that!

In this phrase, it functions like an adjective describing your status, used with the verb sein.

No! For a business engagement, use der Termin. verlobt is strictly romantic.

verlobt means you are engaged; verheiratet means you are already married.

Use the reflexive verb: Ich habe mich verlobt.

A male fiancé is mein Verlobter, and a female fiancée is meine Verlobte.

It is neutral. You can use it with friends, family, or even in semi-formal professional settings.

Not strictly, but it is the most common symbol. The promise itself is what makes you verlobt.

The word verlobt itself doesn't change when used with sein. Er ist verlobt and Sie ist verlobt are both correct.

Always use mit. Example: Ich bin mit ihr verlobt.

Frases relacionadas

sich verloben

to get engaged (the action)

einen Antrag machen

to propose / to make a marriage proposal

verheiratet sein

to be married

die Verlobung

the engagement (the event/status)

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