From Middle High German *versprechen*, a compound of the prefix *ver-* (here indicating commitment or obligation) + *sprechen* ("to speak"). The idea is literally "to speak forth" a binding statement — turning words into a pledge.

In German, *versprechen* doubles as a reflexive verb with a completely different meaning: *sich versprechen* means "to misspeak" or "to say something by mistake." Watch out — *Er hat sich versprochen* means "He made a slip of the tongue," not "He promised himself." This false-friend trap even catches advanced learners.