Verkündigung

Verkündigung is a German noun derived from the verb verkünden, meaning to announce or declare. The term denotes the act of making an announcement or proclamation, or the content that is announced. In religious contexts, it often indicates a message proclaimed by a divine messenger.

In Christian tradition, Verkündigung commonly refers to the Annunciation, the moment when the Archangel Gabriel announced to the Virgin Mary that she would conceive and bear Jesus Christ. This event is described in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 1:26–38). The Feast of the Annunciation is celebrated in many Christian churches on 25 March, though calendar differences exist in some traditions, such as Orthodox dating.

In secular usage, Verkündigung can denote public announcements, proclamations, or the presentation of information to the public. It is used for official declarations, corporate communications, or the delivery of news or sermons. In religious contexts, it also appears in phrases such as “die Verkündigung des Evangeliums,” referring to the proclamation or preaching of the Gospel.

The term can be distinguished from Ankündigung, which more commonly denotes everyday notifications or standard announcements. Verkündigung often carries formal, liturgical, or doctrinal connotations, whereas Ankündigung is the broader, everyday equivalent.