Pimpled German’s promise (6)

I believe the answer is:

pledge

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'promise' is the definition.
(pledging is a kind of promising)

'pimpled german's' is the wordplay.
'PLEDGE' is hidden within the letters.
But, I'm not sure how the hidden word is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pledge that I've seen before include "Covenant" , "assurance" , "Promise solemnly and formally" , "Promise, oath" , "Vow, affirm" .)

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.

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