diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
index 03dff1c5f..34dc4e025 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -2,6 +2,19 @@
 
 ## [Unreleased]
 
+## [1.28.40] — 2026-07-16 — Insight assessments lead with meaning, not a number
+
+The per-metric insight assessments read like a data readout — they opened on
+the current value. The overview texts already lead with the day's verdict in
+plain words and land the warm, motivating tone; the per-metric cards were told
+the opposite (name the level with a number first) and never received the
+opener-variation the other insight surfaces use. Now every metric assessment
+opens with what the reading MEANS and brings the number in right after as
+support, in the same warm register as the overview. A shared opening-shape
+contract keeps the surfaces from drifting apart again, and the deterministic
+first-paint fallbacks lead with the verdict too. No change to what the numbers
+say — only how the sentence is built.
+
 ## [1.28.39] — 2026-07-16 — Sync data-loss hardening
 
 Four fixes to sync paths that could lose or corrupt data in edge cases:
diff --git a/docs/api/openapi.yaml b/docs/api/openapi.yaml
index 90c02bd51..01f0fd0ae 100644
--- a/docs/api/openapi.yaml
+++ b/docs/api/openapi.yaml
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 openapi: 3.1.0
 info:
   title: HealthLog API
-  version: 1.28.39
+  version: 1.28.40
   description: >-
     Self-hosted personal-health-tracking PWA — public API surface for the iOS native client and external ingest.
 
diff --git a/package.json b/package.json
index b636365ab..4b68b3f0e 100644
--- a/package.json
+++ b/package.json
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 {
   "name": "healthlog",
-  "version": "1.28.39",
+  "version": "1.28.40",
   "description": "Self-hosted personal-health-tracking PWA with Withings integration, AI insights, and doctor-report PDF export.",
   "license": "PolyForm-Noncommercial-1.0.0",
   "homepage": "https://healthlog.dev",
diff --git a/public/sw.js b/public/sw.js
index aab6ebc23..a5b91f84e 100644
--- a/public/sw.js
+++ b/public/sw.js
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ try {
 // v1.4.38.4 → v1.4.42. Do not hand-edit; bump `package.json` and rebuild.
 const CACHE_VERSION =
   (typeof self !== "undefined" && self.__APP_VERSION__) ||
-  /* @sw-version-fallback */ "v1.28.39";
+  /* @sw-version-fallback */ "v1.28.40";
 const STATIC_CACHE = `healthlog-static-${CACHE_VERSION}`;
 const PAGE_CACHE = `healthlog-pages-${CACHE_VERSION}`;
 // v1.18.6 — read-only data cache for a curated allowlist of safe GET `/api/*`
diff --git a/src/lib/ai/prompts/__tests__/assessment-prompt-contract.test.ts b/src/lib/ai/prompts/__tests__/assessment-prompt-contract.test.ts
index ade53e8e8..d809f9e62 100644
--- a/src/lib/ai/prompts/__tests__/assessment-prompt-contract.test.ts
+++ b/src/lib/ai/prompts/__tests__/assessment-prompt-contract.test.ts
@@ -4,6 +4,13 @@ import {
   getMetricArchetypeSystemPrompt,
   getMetricArchetypeUserPrompt,
 } from "../metric-archetypes";
+import { getBloodPressureUserPrompt } from "../blood-pressure";
+import { getWeightUserPrompt } from "../weight";
+import { getPulseUserPrompt } from "../pulse";
+import { getBmiUserPrompt } from "../bmi";
+import { getMoodUserPrompt } from "../mood";
+import { getMedicationComplianceUserPrompt } from "../medication-compliance";
+import { getGeneralStatusUserPrompt } from "../general-status";
 import { getMetricStatusMeta } from "@/lib/insights/metric-status-registry";
 
 /**
@@ -148,6 +155,69 @@ describe("metric-archetype user prompt — context block plumbing", () => {
   });
 });
 
+/**
+ * v1.28.40 — the verdict-first rewrite. Every per-metric USER prompt must now
+ * LEAD with meaning (verdict-first) and STOP instructing the model to open on a
+ * concrete number, and must carry the opener-hint rotation. These pin both the
+ * new opening posture and the removal of the old "name the current level with a
+ * concrete number" instruction, in EN and DE, for all seven builders + the
+ * overall assessment — the exact drift the audit isolated as the tone split.
+ */
+describe("v1.28.40 per-metric user prompts — verdict-first, number-as-support", () => {
+  const meta = getMetricStatusMeta("RESTING_HEART_RATE")!;
+
+  // A builder normalised to `(locale, openerHint?) => prompt` so the parametric
+  // assertions below can drive every surface through one shape.
+  const BUILDERS: Record<
+    string,
+    (locale: "en" | "de", openerHint?: string) => string
+  > = {
+    "metric-archetype": (l, h) =>
+      getMetricArchetypeUserPrompt(meta, "{}", "2026-06-05", l, "", "", "", h),
+    "blood-pressure": (l, h) =>
+      getBloodPressureUserPrompt("{}", "2026-06-05", l, "", "", h),
+    weight: (l, h) => getWeightUserPrompt("{}", "2026-06-05", l, "", "", h),
+    pulse: (l, h) => getPulseUserPrompt("{}", "2026-06-05", l, "", "", h),
+    bmi: (l, h) => getBmiUserPrompt("{}", "2026-06-05", l, "", "", h),
+    mood: (l, h) => getMoodUserPrompt("{}", "2026-06-05", l, "", "", h),
+    "medication-compliance": (l, h) =>
+      getMedicationComplianceUserPrompt("{}", "2026-06-05", l, "", "", h),
+    general: (l, h) =>
+      getGeneralStatusUserPrompt("{}", "2026-06-05", l, "", "", h),
+  };
+
+  for (const [name, build] of Object.entries(BUILDERS)) {
+    it(`${name}: EN leads verdict-first and no longer instructs number-first`, () => {
+      const p = build("en");
+      // The old number-first instruction is gone.
+      expect(p).not.toMatch(/name the current .* with a concrete number/i);
+      expect(p).not.toMatch(/name the current systolic\/diastolic level/i);
+      // Verdict-first: opens on meaning, explicitly NOT the number/value.
+      expect(p).toMatch(/open with/i);
+      expect(p).toMatch(/not (a|the) (number|value)/i);
+      // The number stays required as support (grounding preserved).
+      expect(p).toMatch(/as support|snapshot/i);
+    });
+
+    it(`${name}: DE leads verdict-first and no longer instructs number-first`, () => {
+      const p = build("de");
+      expect(p).not.toMatch(/benenne das aktuelle/i);
+      expect(p).toMatch(/beginne mit/i);
+      expect(p).toMatch(/nicht (der|mit einer) Zahl/i);
+      expect(p).toMatch(/als Beleg|Snapshot/i);
+    });
+
+    it(`${name}: emits the OPENER HINT line only when a hint is passed`, () => {
+      expect(
+        build("en", "Open with the overall read in plain words."),
+      ).toContain("OPENER HINT: Open with the overall read in plain words.");
+      // Backward-compatible: no hint → no dangling OPENER HINT line.
+      expect(build("en")).not.toContain("OPENER HINT");
+      expect(build("en")).not.toContain("undefined");
+    });
+  }
+});
+
 describe("metric-archetype system prompt — archetype grounding intact", () => {
   it("still injects the archetype section + metadata", () => {
     const meta = getMetricStatusMeta("SLEEP_DURATION")!;
diff --git a/src/lib/ai/prompts/__tests__/shared-contracts-coverage.test.ts b/src/lib/ai/prompts/__tests__/shared-contracts-coverage.test.ts
index a03314091..252ff888f 100644
--- a/src/lib/ai/prompts/__tests__/shared-contracts-coverage.test.ts
+++ b/src/lib/ai/prompts/__tests__/shared-contracts-coverage.test.ts
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@ import {
   toneContract,
   antiRecitation,
   interpretationDepth,
+  openingShape,
   safetyGlp1,
   safetyAcute,
   metricIdentifierBan,
@@ -59,6 +60,9 @@ const SURFACES: Record<
       // overview + briefing text too.
       antiRecitation,
       interpretationDepth,
+      // v1.28.40 — the opening-shape contract pins the briefing's verdict-first
+      // opening to the same wording the per-metric cards now carry.
+      openingShape,
       safetyGlp1,
       safetyAcute,
       metricIdentifierBan,
@@ -78,6 +82,9 @@ const SURFACES: Record<
       // v1.27.13 (Welle J) — the assessment cards enforce both new contracts.
       antiRecitation,
       interpretationDepth,
+      // v1.28.40 — the opening-shape contract lands here so the per-metric card
+      // (and the derived-score archetype built on it) opens verdict-first.
+      openingShape,
       safetyGlp1,
       safetyAcute,
       metricIdentifierBan,
@@ -109,6 +116,9 @@ const SURFACES: Record<
     contracts: [
       grounding,
       toneContract,
+      // v1.28.40 — the retrospective narrative composes the opening-shape
+      // contract too, matching its verdict-first SHAPE rule to the house voice.
+      openingShape,
       safetyGlp1,
       safetyAcute,
       metricIdentifierBan,
@@ -164,6 +174,21 @@ describe("shared-contract cross-surface coverage", () => {
       );
     }
   });
+
+  // v1.28.40 — the opening-shape ("lead with meaning, not the value") contract
+  // must be present on the overview, the per-metric cards, AND the period
+  // narrative at once — the exact drift that produced the "dry per-insight
+  // readout" complaint (verdict-first present on the overview, absent on the
+  // per-metric card) can then never recur silently.
+  it("the opening-shape contract reaches the overview, per-metric, and narrative surfaces", () => {
+    for (const locale of LOCALES) {
+      expect(getStrictInsightsSystemPrompt(locale)).toContain(
+        openingShape[locale],
+      );
+      expect(getBaseSystemPrompt(locale)).toContain(openingShape[locale]);
+      expect(SYSTEM_PROMPTS_FOR_TEST[locale]).toContain(openingShape[locale]);
+    }
+  });
 });
 
 // v1.21.0 (D3-M1 / D3-L1) — the acute-safety clause's threshold numbers are
diff --git a/src/lib/ai/prompts/base-system.ts b/src/lib/ai/prompts/base-system.ts
index 29446c95a..8140acaa4 100644
--- a/src/lib/ai/prompts/base-system.ts
+++ b/src/lib/ai/prompts/base-system.ts
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ import {
   toneContract,
   antiRecitation,
   interpretationDepth,
+  openingShape,
   safetyGlp1,
   safetyAcute,
   metricIdentifierBan,
@@ -35,8 +36,14 @@ import {
  * (synthesis over recitation), the score archetype gains a band→meaning
  * interpretation, and a shared FORMATTING contract asks for real paragraph
  * breaks. Grounding is unchanged — every number still traces to the snapshot.
+ * 6.1.0 — verdict-first opening: the shared `openingShape` contract lands on
+ * this surface (and, through it, the derived-score archetype), and the
+ * per-metric USER prompts now lead with meaning and receive the opener-hint
+ * rotation. This activates the dormant "do NOT open with the number" branch so
+ * the per-metric card reads as warm as the overview. Clause ORDER only —
+ * grounding, non-diagnostic framing, and every safety contract are unchanged.
  */
-export const PROMPT_VERSION = "6.0.0" as const;
+export const PROMPT_VERSION = "6.1.0" as const;
 
 /**
  * Base system prompt for the per-metric Insights *assessment* cards.
@@ -161,6 +168,11 @@ Synthese statt Aufzählung: die Geschichte dessen, was die Daten bedeuten, zähl
 - Auch ungünstige Werte ehrlich benennen: Befund → gegen die eigene Baseline einordnen → ein kleiner machbarer Schritt, als Chance formuliert, nicht als Versagen. Nicht verharmlosen, nicht dramatisieren.
 - Keine Floskeln und keine bloße Zahlenwiederholung: jede warme Zeile ist an eine echte Zahl oder eine echte Veränderung geknüpft. Ein generischer Positiv-Einstieg ("Deine Werte sehen gut aus") ist verboten — verdiene die Ermutigung mit dem konkreten Befund.`,
   },
+  // v1.28.40 — the shared opening-shape contract: lead with meaning, number as
+  // support. Canonical wording so the per-metric card can never again drift
+  // number-first from the verdict-first overview. The derived-score archetype
+  // inherits it too (its system prompt is built on getBaseSystemPrompt).
+  { id: "sharedOpeningShape", en: openingShape.en, de: openingShape.de },
   {
     id: "length",
     en: `LENGTH: 2-4 sentences, roughly 30-60 words — but when the metric is steady and there is nothing to act on, ONE tight sentence is better than padding it to length. Concise and high-quality. No bare number-echoing, no filler, no generic platitudes.`,
diff --git a/src/lib/ai/prompts/blood-pressure.ts b/src/lib/ai/prompts/blood-pressure.ts
index 910adae73..c8ee05c7f 100644
--- a/src/lib/ai/prompts/blood-pressure.ts
+++ b/src/lib/ai/prompts/blood-pressure.ts
@@ -44,6 +44,8 @@ export function getBloodPressureUserPrompt(
    * data; optional and may be empty.
    */
   assessmentContextBlock?: string,
+  /** v1.28.40 — rotating opener-archetype hint; see metric-archetypes.ts. */
+  openerHint?: string,
 ): string {
   const ctxBlock =
     previousContextBlock && previousContextBlock.trim().length > 0
@@ -53,14 +55,18 @@ export function getBloodPressureUserPrompt(
     assessmentContextBlock && assessmentContextBlock.trim().length > 0
       ? `\n\n${assessmentContextBlock}\n`
       : "";
+  const openerLine =
+    openerHint && openerHint.trim().length > 0
+      ? `\nOPENER HINT: ${openerHint}`
+      : "";
   if (locale === "en") {
-    return `Date: ${todayKey} (Europe/Berlin)
-Write one short assessment of this person's blood pressure: name the current systolic/diastolic level, place the recent days against their own weekly/monthly baseline, and — when something is genuinely actionable — close with one doable step; when nothing is, skip the step rather than manufacture filler. Judge confidence from the measurement count and recency.${ctxBlock}${extraBlock}
+    return `Date: ${todayKey} (Europe/Berlin)${openerLine}
+Write one short assessment of this person's blood pressure. Open with what the reading MEANS in plain words — the overall read, not the number (e.g. "calm and right where you want it", "running a touch higher than your usual this week") — then bring in the systolic/diastolic figures right after as support, judged as ONE pair and placed against their own weekly/monthly baseline; never lead with the numbers. Close with one doable step only when the finding genuinely implies one; when nothing is, skip the step rather than manufacture filler. Judge confidence from the measurement count and recency.${ctxBlock}${extraBlock}
 
 ${snapshotJson}`;
   }
-  return `Datum: ${todayKey} (Europe/Berlin)
-Schreibe eine kurze Einschätzung zum Blutdruck dieser Person: benenne das aktuelle systolisch/diastolisch-Niveau, ordne die jüngsten Tage gegen die eigene Wochen-/Monats-Baseline ein und schließe — wenn etwas wirklich umsetzbar ist — mit einem machbaren Schritt; ist nichts umsetzbar, lass den Schritt weg statt Fülltext zu erfinden. Konfidenz aus Messanzahl und Aktualität ableiten.${ctxBlock}${extraBlock}
+  return `Datum: ${todayKey} (Europe/Berlin)${openerLine}
+Schreibe eine kurze Einschätzung zum Blutdruck dieser Person. Beginne mit der BEDEUTUNG in klaren Worten — dem Gesamteindruck, nicht der Zahl (z. B. "ruhig und genau da, wo du ihn haben willst", "diese Woche einen Tick höher als sonst") — und bring danach die systolischen/diastolischen Werte als Beleg, als EIN Paar beurteilt und gegen die eigene Wochen-/Monats-Baseline eingeordnet; führe nie mit den Werten. Schließe nur dann mit einem machbaren Schritt, wenn der Befund wirklich einen hergibt; ist nichts umsetzbar, lass den Schritt weg statt Fülltext zu erfinden. Konfidenz aus Messanzahl und Aktualität ableiten.${ctxBlock}${extraBlock}
 
 ${snapshotJson}`;
 }
diff --git a/src/lib/ai/prompts/bmi.ts b/src/lib/ai/prompts/bmi.ts
index c0e4c1031..fb444ae32 100644
--- a/src/lib/ai/prompts/bmi.ts
+++ b/src/lib/ai/prompts/bmi.ts
@@ -31,6 +31,8 @@ export function getBmiUserPrompt(
   previousContextBlock?: string,
   /** v1.12.7 — diversity / anti-repetition context; see blood-pressure.ts. */
   assessmentContextBlock?: string,
+  /** v1.28.40 — rotating opener-archetype hint; see metric-archetypes.ts. */
+  openerHint?: string,
 ): string {
   const ctxBlock =
     previousContextBlock && previousContextBlock.trim().length > 0
@@ -40,14 +42,18 @@ export function getBmiUserPrompt(
     assessmentContextBlock && assessmentContextBlock.trim().length > 0
       ? `\n\n${assessmentContextBlock}\n`
       : "";
+  const openerLine =
+    openerHint && openerHint.trim().length > 0
+      ? `\nOPENER HINT: ${openerHint}`
+      : "";
   if (locale === "en") {
-    return `Date: ${todayKey} (Europe/Berlin)
-Write one short assessment of this person's BMI: name the current value and WHO band, say whether it has crossed a band or is nearing a band boundary against their own weekly/monthly baseline, and — when something is genuinely actionable — close with one doable step; when nothing is, skip the step rather than manufacture filler. Leave the weight pace to the weight card. Judge confidence from the measurement count and recency.${ctxBlock}${extraBlock}
+    return `Date: ${todayKey} (Europe/Berlin)${openerLine}
+Write one short assessment of this person's BMI. Open with what its band placement MEANS in plain words — where it sits and whether that's holding or shifting, not the number (e.g. "sitting comfortably in the healthy band", "edging toward the next band up") — then bring in the current value and WHO band right after as support, saying against their own weekly/monthly baseline whether it has crossed a band or is nearing a boundary; never lead with the value. Close with one doable step only when the finding genuinely implies one; when nothing is, skip the step rather than manufacture filler. Leave the weight pace to the weight card. Judge confidence from the measurement count and recency.${ctxBlock}${extraBlock}
 
 ${snapshotJson}`;
   }
-  return `Datum: ${todayKey} (Europe/Berlin)
-Schreibe eine kurze Einschätzung zum BMI dieser Person: benenne den aktuellen Wert und das WHO-Band, sage gegen die eigene Wochen-/Monats-Baseline, ob er ein Band gewechselt hat oder sich einer Bandgrenze nähert, und schließe — wenn etwas wirklich umsetzbar ist — mit einem machbaren Schritt; ist nichts umsetzbar, lass den Schritt weg statt Fülltext zu erfinden. Das Gewichtstempo bleibt der Gewichts-Karte überlassen. Konfidenz aus Messanzahl und Aktualität ableiten.${ctxBlock}${extraBlock}
+  return `Datum: ${todayKey} (Europe/Berlin)${openerLine}
+Schreibe eine kurze Einschätzung zum BMI dieser Person. Beginne mit der BEDEUTUNG der Bandlage in klaren Worten — wo er liegt und ob das hält oder sich verschiebt, nicht der Zahl (z. B. "liegt bequem im gesunden Band", "nähert sich dem nächsten Band") — und bring danach den aktuellen Wert und das WHO-Band als Beleg, samt Angabe gegen die eigene Wochen-/Monats-Baseline, ob er ein Band gewechselt hat oder sich einer Bandgrenze nähert; führe nie mit dem Wert. Schließe nur dann mit einem machbaren Schritt, wenn der Befund wirklich einen hergibt; ist nichts umsetzbar, lass den Schritt weg statt Fülltext zu erfinden. Das Gewichtstempo bleibt der Gewichts-Karte überlassen. Konfidenz aus Messanzahl und Aktualität ableiten.${ctxBlock}${extraBlock}
 
 ${snapshotJson}`;
 }
diff --git a/src/lib/ai/prompts/general-status.ts b/src/lib/ai/prompts/general-status.ts
index d6119b9ea..bc21486d4 100644
--- a/src/lib/ai/prompts/general-status.ts
+++ b/src/lib/ai/prompts/general-status.ts
@@ -33,6 +33,8 @@ export function getGeneralStatusUserPrompt(
   previousContextBlock?: string,
   /** v1.12.7 — diversity / anti-repetition context; see blood-pressure.ts. */
   assessmentContextBlock?: string,
+  /** v1.28.40 — rotating opener-archetype hint; see metric-archetypes.ts. */
+  openerHint?: string,
 ): string {
   // v1.4: when the previous-analysis context block is supplied, the
   // model is instructed to call out improvements / regressions
@@ -46,14 +48,18 @@ export function getGeneralStatusUserPrompt(
     assessmentContextBlock && assessmentContextBlock.trim().length > 0
       ? `\n\n${assessmentContextBlock}\n`
       : "";
+  const openerLine =
+    openerHint && openerHint.trim().length > 0
+      ? `\nOPENER HINT: ${openerHint}`
+      : "";
   if (locale === "en") {
-    return `Date: ${todayKey} (Europe/Berlin)
-Write one short overall assessment across the available health metrics: name what stands out, place the recent days against the person's own weekly/monthly baseline, and — when something is genuinely actionable — close with the single most important doable step; when nothing is, skip the step rather than manufacture filler. Judge confidence from the measurement count, density and recency.${ctxBlock}${extraBlock}
+    return `Date: ${todayKey} (Europe/Berlin)${openerLine}
+Write one short overall assessment across the available health metrics. Open with the overall read in plain words — how things are looking taken together, not a number (e.g. "a steady stretch across the board", "one thing standing out this week") — then bring in the one or two metrics that stand out as support, each placed against the person's own weekly/monthly baseline; never lead with a value. Close with the single most important doable step only when the overall picture genuinely implies one; when nothing is, skip the step rather than manufacture filler. Judge confidence from the measurement count, density and recency.${ctxBlock}${extraBlock}
 
 ${snapshotJson}`;
   }
-  return `Datum: ${todayKey} (Europe/Berlin)
-Schreibe eine kurze Gesamteinschätzung über die verfügbaren Gesundheitsdaten: benenne das Auffälligste, ordne die jüngsten Tage gegen die eigene Wochen-/Monats-Baseline ein und schließe — wenn etwas wirklich umsetzbar ist — mit dem einen wichtigsten machbaren Schritt; ist nichts umsetzbar, lass den Schritt weg statt Fülltext zu erfinden. Konfidenz aus Messanzahl, Dichte und Aktualität ableiten.${ctxBlock}${extraBlock}
+  return `Datum: ${todayKey} (Europe/Berlin)${openerLine}
+Schreibe eine kurze Gesamteinschätzung über die verfügbaren Gesundheitsdaten. Beginne mit dem Gesamteindruck in klaren Worten — wie es zusammengenommen aussieht, nicht mit einer Zahl (z. B. "über alles hinweg eine ruhige Phase", "diese Woche sticht eine Sache heraus") — und bring danach die ein bis zwei auffälligsten Metriken als Beleg, jeweils gegen die eigene Wochen-/Monats-Baseline eingeordnet; führe nie mit einem Wert. Schließe nur dann mit dem einen wichtigsten machbaren Schritt, wenn das Gesamtbild wirklich einen hergibt; ist nichts umsetzbar, lass den Schritt weg statt Fülltext zu erfinden. Konfidenz aus Messanzahl, Dichte und Aktualität ableiten.${ctxBlock}${extraBlock}
 
 ${snapshotJson}`;
 }
diff --git a/src/lib/ai/prompts/insight-generator.ts b/src/lib/ai/prompts/insight-generator.ts
index 211640416..ca7fdbbfb 100644
--- a/src/lib/ai/prompts/insight-generator.ts
+++ b/src/lib/ai/prompts/insight-generator.ts
@@ -39,6 +39,7 @@ import {
   toneContract,
   antiRecitation,
   interpretationDepth,
+  openingShape,
   safetyGlp1,
   safetyAcute,
   metricIdentifierBan,
@@ -55,8 +56,12 @@ import {
  * read, weave 2-3 signals into one associative story, state fewer numbers than
  * signals), and the shared paragraph FORMATTING contract joins so the briefing
  * renders as real paragraphs. Grounding is unchanged.
+ * 5.1.0 (v1.28.40) — the shared `openingShape` contract joins so the briefing's
+ * verdict-first opening is pinned to the same canonical wording the per-metric
+ * cards now carry, foreclosing the number-first/verdict-first drift between
+ * surfaces. Clause order only — grounding untouched.
  */
-export const PROMPT_VERSION = "5.0.0" as const;
+export const PROMPT_VERSION = "5.1.0" as const;
 
 /** Europe/Berlin YYYY-MM-DD day key — the rotation boundary for the opener. */
 function berlinDayKey(now: Date): string {
@@ -843,6 +848,10 @@ neutralem Label + Detail. Höchstgrenze: 20 Einträge.`,
   // future safety edit is made once in `shared-contracts.ts`.
   { id: "sharedGrounding", en: grounding.en, de: grounding.de },
   { id: "sharedTone", en: toneContract.en, de: toneContract.de },
+  // v1.28.40 — the shared opening-shape contract, canonical wording. The
+  // briefing already leads verdict-first (rule 8); this pins it to the same
+  // fragment the per-metric cards carry so the two surfaces can't drift.
+  { id: "sharedOpeningShape", en: openingShape.en, de: openingShape.de },
   // v1.27.13 (Welle J) — the overview + briefing text carried the same
   // recitation disease (counts, cadence). Both contracts apply here so the
   // summary and the daily briefing interpret rather than enumerate; the
diff --git a/src/lib/ai/prompts/medication-compliance.ts b/src/lib/ai/prompts/medication-compliance.ts
index 5a2bcffe0..d0f903dd6 100644
--- a/src/lib/ai/prompts/medication-compliance.ts
+++ b/src/lib/ai/prompts/medication-compliance.ts
@@ -33,6 +33,8 @@ export function getMedicationComplianceUserPrompt(
   previousContextBlock?: string,
   /** v1.12.7 — diversity / anti-repetition context; see blood-pressure.ts. */
   assessmentContextBlock?: string,
+  /** v1.28.40 — rotating opener-archetype hint; see metric-archetypes.ts. */
+  openerHint?: string,
 ): string {
   const ctxBlock =
     previousContextBlock && previousContextBlock.trim().length > 0
@@ -42,14 +44,18 @@ export function getMedicationComplianceUserPrompt(
     assessmentContextBlock && assessmentContextBlock.trim().length > 0
       ? `\n\n${assessmentContextBlock}\n`
       : "";
+  const openerLine =
+    openerHint && openerHint.trim().length > 0
+      ? `\nOPENER HINT: ${openerHint}`
+      : "";
   if (locale === "en") {
-    return `Date: ${todayKey} (Europe/Berlin)
-Write one short assessment of this person's medication adherence: name the recent rate, place it against their own baseline (compliance7 vs compliance30), and — when something is genuinely actionable — close with one doable, blame-free step; when nothing is, skip the step rather than manufacture filler. Judge confidence from the event count and recency.${ctxBlock}${extraBlock}
+    return `Date: ${todayKey} (Europe/Berlin)${openerLine}
+Write one short assessment of this person's medication adherence. Open with what it MEANS in plain words — how reliable the routine is looking, not the number (e.g. "your routine's been rock-solid", "a few doses have slipped lately") — then bring in the recent rate right after as support, placed against their own baseline (compliance7 vs compliance30); never lead with the value. Close with one doable, blame-free step only when the finding genuinely implies one; when nothing is, skip the step rather than manufacture filler. Judge confidence from the event count and recency.${ctxBlock}${extraBlock}
 
 ${snapshotJson}`;
   }
-  return `Datum: ${todayKey} (Europe/Berlin)
-Schreibe eine kurze Einschätzung zur Einnahmetreue dieser Person: benenne die jüngste Rate, ordne sie gegen die eigene Baseline ein (compliance7 vs. compliance30) und schließe — wenn etwas wirklich umsetzbar ist — mit einem machbaren, wertfreien Schritt; ist nichts umsetzbar, lass den Schritt weg statt Fülltext zu erfinden. Konfidenz aus Ereignisanzahl und Aktualität ableiten.${ctxBlock}${extraBlock}
+  return `Datum: ${todayKey} (Europe/Berlin)${openerLine}
+Schreibe eine kurze Einschätzung zur Einnahmetreue dieser Person. Beginne mit der BEDEUTUNG in klaren Worten — wie verlässlich die Routine aussieht, nicht der Zahl (z. B. "deine Routine sitzt richtig gut", "zuletzt sind ein paar Dosen durchgerutscht") — und bring danach die jüngste Rate als Beleg, gegen die eigene Baseline eingeordnet (compliance7 vs. compliance30); führe nie mit dem Wert. Schließe nur dann mit einem machbaren, wertfreien Schritt, wenn der Befund wirklich einen hergibt; ist nichts umsetzbar, lass den Schritt weg statt Fülltext zu erfinden. Konfidenz aus Ereignisanzahl und Aktualität ableiten.${ctxBlock}${extraBlock}
 
 ${snapshotJson}`;
 }
diff --git a/src/lib/ai/prompts/metric-archetypes.ts b/src/lib/ai/prompts/metric-archetypes.ts
index 902e1d8d7..23ea4bbab 100644
--- a/src/lib/ai/prompts/metric-archetypes.ts
+++ b/src/lib/ai/prompts/metric-archetypes.ts
@@ -134,6 +134,14 @@ export function getMetricArchetypeUserPrompt(
    * relative, exactly as before.
    */
   interpretationBlock?: string,
+  /**
+   * v1.28.40 — the rotating opener-archetype hint (VERDICT / TREND / CONTRAST /
+   * CONTINUITY / MEANING). When present it is emitted as an `OPENER HINT:` line
+   * so the base prompt's "Lead per the OPENER HINT … do NOT open with the
+   * number" branch fires. Optional so tests can omit it; production always
+   * passes it from `metric-status.ts`.
+   */
+  openerHint?: string,
 ): string {
   const ctxBlock =
     previousContextBlock && previousContextBlock.trim().length > 0
@@ -147,14 +155,18 @@ export function getMetricArchetypeUserPrompt(
     interpretationBlock && interpretationBlock.trim().length > 0
       ? `\n\n${interpretationBlock}\n`
       : "";
+  const openerLine =
+    openerHint && openerHint.trim().length > 0
+      ? `\nOPENER HINT: ${openerHint}`
+      : "";
   if (locale === "en") {
-    return `Date: ${todayKey} (Europe/Berlin)
-Write one short assessment of this person's ${meta.displayName.toLowerCase()}: name the current level with a concrete number from the snapshot, place the recent window against their own weekly/monthly baseline, and — when something is genuinely actionable — close with one doable step; when nothing is, skip the step rather than manufacture filler. Judge confidence from the measurement count and recency.${ctxBlock}${extraBlock}${interpBlock}
+    return `Date: ${todayKey} (Europe/Berlin)${openerLine}
+Write one short assessment of this person's ${meta.displayName.toLowerCase()}. Open with what it MEANS in plain words — the read, not the number (e.g. "running a little calmer than usual", "steady and right where it's been") — then bring in ONE concrete number from the snapshot right after as support, placed against their own weekly/monthly baseline; never lead with the value. Close with one doable step only when the finding genuinely implies one; when nothing is, skip the step rather than manufacture filler. Judge confidence from the measurement count and recency.${ctxBlock}${extraBlock}${interpBlock}
 
 ${snapshotJson}`;
   }
-  return `Datum: ${todayKey} (Europe/Berlin)
-Schreibe eine kurze Einschätzung zu ${meta.displayName} dieser Person: benenne das aktuelle Niveau mit einer konkreten Zahl aus dem Snapshot, ordne das recent-Fenster gegen die eigene Wochen-/Monats-Baseline ein und schließe — wenn etwas wirklich umsetzbar ist — mit einem machbaren Schritt; ist nichts umsetzbar, lass den Schritt weg statt Fülltext zu erfinden. Konfidenz aus Messanzahl und Aktualität ableiten.${ctxBlock}${extraBlock}${interpBlock}
+  return `Datum: ${todayKey} (Europe/Berlin)${openerLine}
+Schreibe eine kurze Einschätzung zu ${meta.displayName} dieser Person. Beginne mit der BEDEUTUNG in klaren Worten — dem Eindruck, nicht der Zahl (z. B. "läuft gerade etwas ruhiger als sonst", "stabil und genau da, wo es war") — und bring danach EINE konkrete Zahl aus dem Snapshot als Beleg, gegen die eigene Wochen-/Monats-Baseline eingeordnet; führe nie mit dem Wert. Schließe nur dann mit einem machbaren Schritt, wenn der Befund wirklich einen hergibt; ist nichts umsetzbar, lass den Schritt weg statt Fülltext zu erfinden. Konfidenz aus Messanzahl und Aktualität ableiten.${ctxBlock}${extraBlock}${interpBlock}
 
 ${snapshotJson}`;
 }
diff --git a/src/lib/ai/prompts/mood.ts b/src/lib/ai/prompts/mood.ts
index a8b14dccf..8419ec02d 100644
--- a/src/lib/ai/prompts/mood.ts
+++ b/src/lib/ai/prompts/mood.ts
@@ -33,6 +33,8 @@ export function getMoodUserPrompt(
   previousContextBlock?: string,
   /** v1.12.7 — diversity / anti-repetition context; see blood-pressure.ts. */
   assessmentContextBlock?: string,
+  /** v1.28.40 — rotating opener-archetype hint; see metric-archetypes.ts. */
+  openerHint?: string,
 ): string {
   const ctxBlock =
     previousContextBlock && previousContextBlock.trim().length > 0
@@ -42,14 +44,18 @@ export function getMoodUserPrompt(
     assessmentContextBlock && assessmentContextBlock.trim().length > 0
       ? `\n\n${assessmentContextBlock}\n`
       : "";
+  const openerLine =
+    openerHint && openerHint.trim().length > 0
+      ? `\nOPENER HINT: ${openerHint}`
+      : "";
   if (locale === "en") {
-    return `Date: ${todayKey} (Europe/Berlin)
-Write one short assessment of this person's mood: name the recent level, place it against their own weekly/monthly baseline, and — when something is genuinely actionable — close with one kind, doable step; when nothing is, skip the step rather than manufacture filler. Judge confidence from the entry count and recency.${ctxBlock}${extraBlock}
+    return `Date: ${todayKey} (Europe/Berlin)${openerLine}
+Write one short assessment of this person's mood. Open with what the recent pattern MEANS in plain words — the read, not the number (e.g. "a brighter stretch than usual", "steady, holding where it's been") — then bring in the recent level right after as support, placed against their own weekly/monthly baseline; never lead with the value. Close with one kind, doable step only when the finding genuinely implies one; when nothing is, skip the step rather than manufacture filler. Judge confidence from the entry count and recency.${ctxBlock}${extraBlock}
 
 ${snapshotJson}`;
   }
-  return `Datum: ${todayKey} (Europe/Berlin)
-Schreibe eine kurze Einschätzung zur Stimmung dieser Person: benenne das jüngste Niveau, ordne es gegen die eigene Wochen-/Monats-Baseline ein und schließe — wenn etwas wirklich umsetzbar ist — mit einem freundlichen, machbaren Schritt; ist nichts umsetzbar, lass den Schritt weg statt Fülltext zu erfinden. Konfidenz aus Eintragsanzahl und Aktualität ableiten.${ctxBlock}${extraBlock}
+  return `Datum: ${todayKey} (Europe/Berlin)${openerLine}
+Schreibe eine kurze Einschätzung zur Stimmung dieser Person. Beginne mit der BEDEUTUNG des jüngsten Musters in klaren Worten — dem Eindruck, nicht der Zahl (z. B. "eine hellere Phase als sonst", "stabil, hält sich, wo sie war") — und bring danach das jüngste Niveau als Beleg, gegen die eigene Wochen-/Monats-Baseline eingeordnet; führe nie mit dem Wert. Schließe nur dann mit einem freundlichen, machbaren Schritt, wenn der Befund wirklich einen hergibt; ist nichts umsetzbar, lass den Schritt weg statt Fülltext zu erfinden. Konfidenz aus Eintragsanzahl und Aktualität ableiten.${ctxBlock}${extraBlock}
 
 ${snapshotJson}`;
 }
diff --git a/src/lib/ai/prompts/pulse.ts b/src/lib/ai/prompts/pulse.ts
index 345392701..b558b3df3 100644
--- a/src/lib/ai/prompts/pulse.ts
+++ b/src/lib/ai/prompts/pulse.ts
@@ -31,6 +31,8 @@ export function getPulseUserPrompt(
   previousContextBlock?: string,
   /** v1.12.7 — diversity / anti-repetition context; see blood-pressure.ts. */
   assessmentContextBlock?: string,
+  /** v1.28.40 — rotating opener-archetype hint; see metric-archetypes.ts. */
+  openerHint?: string,
 ): string {
   const ctxBlock =
     previousContextBlock && previousContextBlock.trim().length > 0
@@ -40,14 +42,18 @@ export function getPulseUserPrompt(
     assessmentContextBlock && assessmentContextBlock.trim().length > 0
       ? `\n\n${assessmentContextBlock}\n`
       : "";
+  const openerLine =
+    openerHint && openerHint.trim().length > 0
+      ? `\nOPENER HINT: ${openerHint}`
+      : "";
   if (locale === "en") {
-    return `Date: ${todayKey} (Europe/Berlin)
-Write one short assessment of this person's resting pulse: name the current level, place the recent days against their own weekly/monthly baseline, and — when something is genuinely actionable — close with one doable step; when nothing is, skip the step rather than manufacture filler. Judge confidence from the measurement count and recency.${ctxBlock}${extraBlock}
+    return `Date: ${todayKey} (Europe/Berlin)${openerLine}
+Write one short assessment of this person's resting pulse. Open with what it MEANS in plain words — the read, not the number (e.g. "running a little calmer than usual", "steady, right where it's been") — then bring in ONE concrete number from the snapshot right after as support, placed against their own weekly/monthly baseline; never lead with the value. Close with one doable step only when the finding genuinely implies one; when nothing is, skip the step rather than manufacture filler. Judge confidence from the measurement count and recency.${ctxBlock}${extraBlock}
 
 ${snapshotJson}`;
   }
-  return `Datum: ${todayKey} (Europe/Berlin)
-Schreibe eine kurze Einschätzung zum Ruhepuls dieser Person: benenne das aktuelle Niveau, ordne die jüngsten Tage gegen die eigene Wochen-/Monats-Baseline ein und schließe — wenn etwas wirklich umsetzbar ist — mit einem machbaren Schritt; ist nichts umsetzbar, lass den Schritt weg statt Fülltext zu erfinden. Konfidenz aus Messanzahl und Aktualität ableiten.${ctxBlock}${extraBlock}
+  return `Datum: ${todayKey} (Europe/Berlin)${openerLine}
+Schreibe eine kurze Einschätzung zum Ruhepuls dieser Person. Beginne mit der BEDEUTUNG in klaren Worten — dem Eindruck, nicht der Zahl (z. B. "läuft gerade etwas ruhiger als sonst", "stabil, genau da, wo er war") — und bring danach EINE konkrete Zahl aus dem Snapshot als Beleg, gegen die eigene Wochen-/Monats-Baseline eingeordnet; führe nie mit dem Wert. Schließe nur dann mit einem machbaren Schritt, wenn der Befund wirklich einen hergibt; ist nichts umsetzbar, lass den Schritt weg statt Fülltext zu erfinden. Konfidenz aus Messanzahl und Aktualität ableiten.${ctxBlock}${extraBlock}
 
 ${snapshotJson}`;
 }
diff --git a/src/lib/ai/prompts/shared-contracts.ts b/src/lib/ai/prompts/shared-contracts.ts
index a88e29ffd..9dd2e0176 100644
--- a/src/lib/ai/prompts/shared-contracts.ts
+++ b/src/lib/ai/prompts/shared-contracts.ts
@@ -151,6 +151,22 @@ export const forbiddenFiller: SharedContract = {
 "achte auf ausreichend Schlaf", "trinke genug Wasser", "regelmäßige Bewegung", "ärztlicher Rat empfohlen".`,
 };
 
+/**
+ * v1.28.40 — opening-shape contract. The maintainer's complaint: the per-metric
+ * assessment cards read as a dry data readout while the overview reads warm. The
+ * root cause is a divergent OPENING instruction — the overview leads verdict-
+ * first, the per-metric card led number-first. This single fragment pins the
+ * "lead with meaning, number as support" rule on every narrative surface so the
+ * two can never drift apart again. It changes clause ORDER only — grounding is
+ * untouched, the number stays required as support.
+ */
+export const openingShape: SharedContract = {
+  en: `OPENING — lead with meaning, not the metric value
+Open on the read in plain words — what this says about the person today — and bring the number in right after, as support, never as the first thing. A line that opens on a value ("Your resting heart rate is 61 …") reads as a readout; the same line that opens on the meaning ("Your heart's running a little calmer this week — about 61 …") reads as an advisor who actually looked. Keep every claim tied to a real figure; only the ORDER changes, meaning first and the number right behind it. This holds whether the surface covers one metric or many.`,
+  de: `ERÖFFNUNG — mit der Bedeutung führen, nicht mit dem Messwert
+Beginne mit dem Eindruck in klaren Worten — was das heute über die Person sagt — und bring die Zahl direkt danach als Beleg, nie als Erstes. Eine Zeile, die mit einem Wert eröffnet ("Dein Ruhepuls ist 61 …"), liest sich wie ein Ablesen; dieselbe Zeile, die mit der Bedeutung eröffnet ("Dein Herz läuft diese Woche etwas ruhiger — rund 61 …"), liest sich wie ein Begleiter, der wirklich hingesehen hat. Jede Aussage bleibt an einer echten Zahl verankert; nur die REIHENFOLGE ändert sich, Bedeutung zuerst und die Zahl direkt dahinter. Das gilt, ob die Fläche eine Metrik abdeckt oder viele.`,
+};
+
 /**
  * v1.21.0 (QoL-B §3 / D4 §4) — forward-looking outlook contract. The voice
  * already nails honest-not-sycophantic but barely looks ahead; this fragment
@@ -193,6 +209,7 @@ export const SHARED_CONTRACTS = {
   toneContract,
   antiRecitation,
   interpretationDepth,
+  openingShape,
   safetyGlp1,
   safetyAcute,
   metricIdentifierBan,
diff --git a/src/lib/ai/prompts/weight.ts b/src/lib/ai/prompts/weight.ts
index 97bc1bf90..f0b3ec1b9 100644
--- a/src/lib/ai/prompts/weight.ts
+++ b/src/lib/ai/prompts/weight.ts
@@ -37,6 +37,8 @@ export function getWeightUserPrompt(
   previousContextBlock?: string,
   /** v1.12.7 — diversity / anti-repetition context; see blood-pressure.ts. */
   assessmentContextBlock?: string,
+  /** v1.28.40 — rotating opener-archetype hint; see metric-archetypes.ts. */
+  openerHint?: string,
 ): string {
   const ctxBlock =
     previousContextBlock && previousContextBlock.trim().length > 0
@@ -46,14 +48,18 @@ export function getWeightUserPrompt(
     assessmentContextBlock && assessmentContextBlock.trim().length > 0
       ? `\n\n${assessmentContextBlock}\n`
       : "";
+  const openerLine =
+    openerHint && openerHint.trim().length > 0
+      ? `\nOPENER HINT: ${openerHint}`
+      : "";
   if (locale === "en") {
-    return `Date: ${todayKey} (Europe/Berlin)
-Write one short assessment of this person's weight: name the current level and direction, place the recent days against their own weekly/monthly baseline as a continuous trend and pace (kg/week, plateau, milestone — not the single value, and not the WHO band, which the BMI card covers), and — when something is genuinely actionable — close with one doable step; when nothing is, skip the step rather than manufacture filler. Judge confidence from the measurement count and recency.${ctxBlock}${extraBlock}
+    return `Date: ${todayKey} (Europe/Berlin)${openerLine}
+Write one short assessment of this person's weight. Open with what the trend MEANS in plain words — the direction and momentum, not the number (e.g. "easing down steadily", "holding right where it's settled") — then bring in ONE concrete number from the snapshot right after as support, read as a continuous trend and pace against their own weekly/monthly baseline (kg/week, plateau, milestone — not the single value, and not the WHO band, which the BMI card covers); never lead with the value. Close with one doable step only when the finding genuinely implies one; when nothing is, skip the step rather than manufacture filler. Judge confidence from the measurement count and recency.${ctxBlock}${extraBlock}
 
 ${snapshotJson}`;
   }
-  return `Datum: ${todayKey} (Europe/Berlin)
-Schreibe eine kurze Einschätzung zum Gewicht dieser Person: benenne Niveau und Richtung, ordne die jüngsten Tage gegen die eigene Wochen-/Monats-Baseline als kontinuierlichen Trend und Tempo ein (kg/Woche, Plateau, Meilenstein — nicht der Einzelwert und nicht das WHO-Band, das die BMI-Karte trägt) und schließe — wenn etwas wirklich umsetzbar ist — mit einem machbaren Schritt; ist nichts umsetzbar, lass den Schritt weg statt Fülltext zu erfinden. Konfidenz aus Messanzahl und Aktualität ableiten.${ctxBlock}${extraBlock}
+  return `Datum: ${todayKey} (Europe/Berlin)${openerLine}
+Schreibe eine kurze Einschätzung zum Gewicht dieser Person. Beginne mit der BEDEUTUNG in klaren Worten — Richtung und Tempo, nicht der Zahl (z. B. "geht ruhig nach unten", "hält sich genau da, wo es sich eingependelt hat") — und bring danach EINE konkrete Zahl aus dem Snapshot als Beleg, als kontinuierlichen Trend und Tempo gegen die eigene Wochen-/Monats-Baseline gelesen (kg/Woche, Plateau, Meilenstein — nicht der Einzelwert und nicht das WHO-Band, das die BMI-Karte trägt); führe nie mit dem Wert. Schließe nur dann mit einem machbaren Schritt, wenn der Befund wirklich einen hergibt; ist nichts umsetzbar, lass den Schritt weg statt Fülltext zu erfinden. Konfidenz aus Messanzahl und Aktualität ableiten.${ctxBlock}${extraBlock}
 
 ${snapshotJson}`;
 }
diff --git a/src/lib/insights/__tests__/no-key-fallbacks.test.ts b/src/lib/insights/__tests__/no-key-fallbacks.test.ts
index a8f739362..58b93d395 100644
--- a/src/lib/insights/__tests__/no-key-fallbacks.test.ts
+++ b/src/lib/insights/__tests__/no-key-fallbacks.test.ts
@@ -133,4 +133,77 @@ describe("signal-grounded no-key fallbacks", () => {
       getNoKeyGeneralStatusText("en"),
     );
   });
+
+  // v1.28.40 — the deterministic floor now leads verdict-first (meaning before
+  // the value), matching the warm AI voice a provider user sees on the next
+  // read. The value + baseline still follow, so grounding is unchanged.
+  it("leads with an unfavourable-direction verdict before the value (pulse, en)", () => {
+    const text = getNoKeyPulseStatusText(
+      "en",
+      signal({
+        current: 72,
+        baseline: 64,
+        delta: 8,
+        outsideNormalSwing: true,
+        direction: "lower-better",
+      }),
+    );
+    // Verdict-first: opens on meaning, not the number.
+    expect(text.startsWith("A little off your usual lately.")).toBe(true);
+    // The grounded value + baseline still follow the verdict.
+    expect(text).toContain("72 bpm");
+    expect(text).toContain("64 bpm");
+    expect(text.toLowerCase()).toContain("usual average");
+  });
+
+  it("leads with a steady verdict when inside the usual swing (weight, en)", () => {
+    const text = getNoKeyWeightStatusText(
+      "en",
+      signal({
+        metric: "weight",
+        current: 80.4,
+        baseline: 80.3,
+        delta: 0.1,
+        outsideNormalSwing: false,
+        direction: "target-band",
+      }),
+    );
+    expect(text.startsWith("Steady and much as usual.")).toBe(true);
+    expect(text).toContain("80.4");
+    expect(text.toLowerCase()).toContain("nothing you need to act on");
+  });
+
+  it("leads with a favourable verdict when the move is in the good direction (de)", () => {
+    const text = getNoKeyMedicationComplianceStatusText(
+      "de",
+      signal({
+        metric: "adherence",
+        current: 94,
+        baseline: 80,
+        delta: 14,
+        outsideNormalSwing: true,
+        direction: "higher-better",
+      }),
+    );
+    expect(text.startsWith("Das geht in eine gute Richtung.")).toBe(true);
+    expect(text).toContain("94%");
+  });
+
+  it("opens on the value (no verdict) when there is no usable baseline (bp, de)", () => {
+    const text = getNoKeyBloodPressureStatusText(
+      "de",
+      signal({
+        metric: "blood pressure",
+        current: 128,
+        baseline: null,
+        delta: null,
+        outsideNormalSwing: null,
+        deltaPct: null,
+        spread: null,
+      }),
+    );
+    // No confident verdict without a baseline → the honest value-first opener.
+    expect(text.startsWith("Dein Blutdruck liegt aktuell bei 128")).toBe(true);
+    expect(text).not.toContain("Schnitt von");
+  });
 });
diff --git a/src/lib/insights/blood-pressure-status.ts b/src/lib/insights/blood-pressure-status.ts
index 991eba764..d2f60f0c1 100644
--- a/src/lib/insights/blood-pressure-status.ts
+++ b/src/lib/insights/blood-pressure-status.ts
@@ -3,6 +3,8 @@ import {
   getBloodPressureSystemPrompt,
   getBloodPressureUserPrompt,
 } from "@/lib/ai/prompts/blood-pressure";
+import { openerArchetypeHint } from "@/lib/ai/prompts/opener-archetype";
+import type { Locale } from "@/lib/i18n/config";
 import {
   formatPreviousContextForPrompt,
   getPreviousInsightContext,
@@ -705,6 +707,12 @@ export async function prepareBloodPressureStatusForUser(
       locale,
       previousContextBlock,
       assessmentContextBlock,
+      // v1.28.40 — rotating opener hint, per (user, metric, day); activates the
+      // base prompt's verdict-first opener branch on the per-metric card.
+      openerArchetypeHint(
+        `${userId}:blood-pressure:${todayKey}`,
+        locale as Locale,
+      ),
     ),
     snapshotHash,
     // v1.12.7 — match the archetype cards' 0.45: more cadence entropy while
diff --git a/src/lib/insights/bmi-status.ts b/src/lib/insights/bmi-status.ts
index ddbb0c5e2..24140a25d 100644
--- a/src/lib/insights/bmi-status.ts
+++ b/src/lib/insights/bmi-status.ts
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 import { prisma } from "@/lib/db";
 import { getBmiSystemPrompt, getBmiUserPrompt } from "@/lib/ai/prompts/bmi";
+import { openerArchetypeHint } from "@/lib/ai/prompts/opener-archetype";
+import type { Locale } from "@/lib/i18n/config";
 import { classifyBMI } from "@/lib/analytics/classifications";
 import { getNoKeyBmiStatusText } from "@/lib/insights/no-key-fallbacks";
 import {
@@ -407,6 +409,8 @@ export async function prepareBmiStatusForUser(
       locale,
       previousContextBlock,
       assessmentContextBlock,
+      // v1.28.40 — rotating opener hint, per (user, metric, day).
+      openerArchetypeHint(`${userId}:bmi:${todayKey}`, locale as Locale),
     ),
     snapshotHash,
     // v1.12.7 — match the archetype cards' 0.45.
diff --git a/src/lib/insights/derived/__tests__/derived-assessment.test.ts b/src/lib/insights/derived/__tests__/derived-assessment.test.ts
index e20f0a46e..e1df67c5a 100644
--- a/src/lib/insights/derived/__tests__/derived-assessment.test.ts
+++ b/src/lib/insights/derived/__tests__/derived-assessment.test.ts
@@ -230,6 +230,23 @@ describe("band → meaning enrichment (deterministic fallback)", () => {
     expect(a!.text.toLowerCase()).toContain("carry you well");
   });
 
+  // v1.28.40 — the band-meaning read now OPENS the assessment (verdict-first)
+  // instead of closing it, so the score card leads with meaning, e.g.
+  // "A middling day … — your readiness is 64/100 …".
+  it("leads with the band-meaning verdict BEFORE the score standing (en)", () => {
+    const a = resolveDeterministicAssessment(
+      "READINESS",
+      okDerived(readiness),
+      "en",
+      NOW,
+    );
+    // Yellow readiness meaning ("… usual load …") precedes the "64 out of 100".
+    expect(a!.text.indexOf("usual load")).toBeGreaterThanOrEqual(0);
+    expect(a!.text.indexOf("usual load")).toBeLessThan(
+      a!.text.indexOf("out of 100"),
+    );
+  });
+
   it("names BOTH a carry (green) AND the forward read (de)", () => {
     const a = resolveDeterministicAssessment(
       "SLEEP_SCORE",
diff --git a/src/lib/insights/derived/derived-assessment.ts b/src/lib/insights/derived/derived-assessment.ts
index 4fd9ec7e1..3ba8f2f12 100644
--- a/src/lib/insights/derived/derived-assessment.ts
+++ b/src/lib/insights/derived/derived-assessment.ts
@@ -396,6 +396,15 @@ export function buildDeterministicScoreAssessment(
   const standing = bandPhrase(band, locale);
 
   const sentences: string[] = [];
+
+  // v1.28.40 — verdict-first: open with the band → "what it means for today"
+  // read (a closed, non-numeric table) BEFORE the score, so the deterministic
+  // floor leads with meaning like the warm AI voice, e.g. "A good day to take
+  // on a little more — your readiness is 72/100 …". No number is introduced
+  // here, so the grounding posture is unchanged.
+  const meaning = scoreBandMeaning(metric, band, locale);
+  if (meaning) sentences.push(meaning);
+
   sentences.push(
     locale === "de"
       ? `${capitalise(label)} liegt heute bei ${score} von 100 — ${standing}.`
@@ -454,12 +463,11 @@ export function buildDeterministicScoreAssessment(
     );
   }
 
-  // v1.22 (W6) — close with a band-conditioned "what it means for today" read
-  // from the closed deterministic table, so even the provider-less + demo score
-  // cards carry the forward interpretation the WHOOP/Oura voice does, not just
-  // the attribution. No number is introduced, so the grounding posture holds.
-  const meaning = scoreBandMeaning(metric, band, locale);
-  if (meaning) sentences.push(meaning);
+  // v1.28.40 — the band-conditioned "what it means for today" read now OPENS the
+  // assessment (above) instead of closing it, so the score card leads with
+  // meaning. When no meaning is mapped for this band the card falls back to its
+  // standing-first shape, which is already verdict-carrying ("… — in a good
+  // place").
 
   return sentences.join(" ");
 }
diff --git a/src/lib/insights/general-status.ts b/src/lib/insights/general-status.ts
index b63164015..6cb4bc49b 100644
--- a/src/lib/insights/general-status.ts
+++ b/src/lib/insights/general-status.ts
@@ -3,6 +3,8 @@ import {
   getGeneralStatusSystemPrompt,
   getGeneralStatusUserPrompt,
 } from "@/lib/ai/prompts/general-status";
+import { openerArchetypeHint } from "@/lib/ai/prompts/opener-archetype";
+import type { Locale } from "@/lib/i18n/config";
 import { getBpTargets } from "@/lib/analytics/bp-targets";
 import { isBpReadingInTarget } from "@/lib/analytics/bp-in-target";
 import { getNoKeyGeneralStatusText } from "@/lib/insights/no-key-fallbacks";
@@ -483,6 +485,8 @@ export async function prepareGeneralStatusForUser(
       locale,
       previousContextBlock,
       assessmentContextBlock,
+      // v1.28.40 — rotating opener hint, per (user, metric, day).
+      openerArchetypeHint(`${userId}:general:${todayKey}`, locale as Locale),
     ),
     snapshotHash,
     // v1.12.7 — match the archetype cards' 0.45.
diff --git a/src/lib/insights/medication-compliance-status.ts b/src/lib/insights/medication-compliance-status.ts
index 03f4bf3f8..67ecd8ecd 100644
--- a/src/lib/insights/medication-compliance-status.ts
+++ b/src/lib/insights/medication-compliance-status.ts
@@ -3,6 +3,8 @@ import {
   getMedicationComplianceSystemPrompt,
   getMedicationComplianceUserPrompt,
 } from "@/lib/ai/prompts/medication-compliance";
+import { openerArchetypeHint } from "@/lib/ai/prompts/opener-archetype";
+import type { Locale } from "@/lib/i18n/config";
 import {
   buildComplianceMedicationContext,
   buildMedicationComplianceBundle,
@@ -531,6 +533,11 @@ export async function prepareMedicationComplianceStatusForUser(
       locale,
       previousContextBlock,
       assessmentContextBlock,
+      // v1.28.40 — rotating opener hint, per (user, metric, day).
+      openerArchetypeHint(
+        `${userId}:medication-compliance:${todayKey}`,
+        locale as Locale,
+      ),
     ),
     snapshotHash,
     // v1.12.7 — match the archetype cards' 0.45.
diff --git a/src/lib/insights/metric-status.ts b/src/lib/insights/metric-status.ts
index 2ea11308b..2afa69f64 100644
--- a/src/lib/insights/metric-status.ts
+++ b/src/lib/insights/metric-status.ts
@@ -47,6 +47,8 @@ import { getAgeFromDateOfBirth } from "@/lib/analytics/pulse-targets";
 import { lookupNormalRange } from "@/lib/insights/derived/norms";
 import { buildMetricSignal } from "@/lib/insights/metric-signal";
 import { PROMPT_VERSION } from "@/lib/ai/prompts/base-system";
+import { openerArchetypeHint } from "@/lib/ai/prompts/opener-archetype";
+import type { Locale } from "@/lib/i18n/config";
 import {
   getNoKeyGeneralStatusText,
   getNoKeyMetricStatusText,
@@ -480,6 +482,16 @@ export async function generateMetricStatus(args: {
         })
       : undefined;
 
+  // v1.28.40 — the rotating opener-archetype hint, keyed per (user, metric,
+  // day) exactly as `derived-assessment-ai.ts` does for the score cards. This
+  // activates the base prompt's dormant "Lead per the OPENER HINT … do NOT open
+  // with the number" branch so the per-metric card opens verdict-first and
+  // varies run-to-run. No new model call — one arg on the existing completion.
+  const openerHint = openerArchetypeHint(
+    `${args.userId}:${scope}:${todayKey}`,
+    locale as Locale,
+  );
+
   const outcome = await runStatusCompletion({
     userId: args.userId,
     cacheAction,
@@ -493,6 +505,7 @@ export async function generateMetricStatus(args: {
       previousContextBlock,
       contextBlock,
       interpretationBlock,
+      openerHint,
     ),
     // v1.12.1 (D1) — the phrasing task benefits from a touch more sampling
     // entropy while the FACTS stay pinned by the snapshot + the
diff --git a/src/lib/insights/mood-status.ts b/src/lib/insights/mood-status.ts
index 4a90e6c96..32327bc5b 100644
--- a/src/lib/insights/mood-status.ts
+++ b/src/lib/insights/mood-status.ts
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 import { prisma } from "@/lib/db";
 import { getMoodSystemPrompt, getMoodUserPrompt } from "@/lib/ai/prompts/mood";
+import { openerArchetypeHint } from "@/lib/ai/prompts/opener-archetype";
+import type { Locale } from "@/lib/i18n/config";
 import { getNoKeyMoodStatusText } from "@/lib/insights/no-key-fallbacks";
 import {
   formatPreviousContextForPrompt,
@@ -715,6 +717,8 @@ export async function prepareMoodStatusForUser(
       locale,
       previousContextBlock,
       assessmentContextBlock,
+      // v1.28.40 — rotating opener hint, per (user, metric, day).
+      openerArchetypeHint(`${userId}:mood:${todayKey}`, locale as Locale),
     ),
     snapshotHash,
     // v1.12.7 — match the archetype cards' 0.45.
diff --git a/src/lib/insights/narrative/__tests__/period-narrative-deterministic.test.ts b/src/lib/insights/narrative/__tests__/period-narrative-deterministic.test.ts
index 7747b53ea..3eae6875d 100644
--- a/src/lib/insights/narrative/__tests__/period-narrative-deterministic.test.ts
+++ b/src/lib/insights/narrative/__tests__/period-narrative-deterministic.test.ts
@@ -152,6 +152,32 @@ describe("buildDeterministicNarrative", () => {
     );
   });
 
+  // v1.28.40 — the deterministic floor opens with a one-line verdict before the
+  // delta list, matching the verdict-first AI narrative beside it.
+  it("opens with a movement verdict before the delta list (en/de)", () => {
+    const en = buildDeterministicNarrative(
+      ctx({ metricDeltas: [WEIGHT_DOWN] }),
+      "en",
+    );
+    expect(en.startsWith("A week of real movement.")).toBe(true);
+    // The changes sentence + its figures still follow the verdict.
+    expect(en).toContain("your weight");
+    const de = buildDeterministicNarrative(
+      ctx({ metricDeltas: [WEIGHT_DOWN] }),
+      "de",
+    );
+    expect(de.startsWith("Eine Woche mit echter Bewegung.")).toBe(true);
+  });
+
+  it("opens with a calm verdict when nothing moved (en/de, month)", () => {
+    expect(buildDeterministicNarrative(ctx({ period: "month" }), "en")).toMatch(
+      /^A calm month\./,
+    );
+    expect(buildDeterministicNarrative(ctx({ period: "month" }), "de")).toMatch(
+      /^Ein ruhiger Monat\./,
+    );
+  });
+
   it("falls back to a prettified label for an unmapped metric type", () => {
     const text = buildDeterministicNarrative(
       ctx({
diff --git a/src/lib/insights/narrative/__tests__/period-narrative-generate.test.ts b/src/lib/insights/narrative/__tests__/period-narrative-generate.test.ts
index 0d919d52e..04f0b6bcd 100644
--- a/src/lib/insights/narrative/__tests__/period-narrative-generate.test.ts
+++ b/src/lib/insights/narrative/__tests__/period-narrative-generate.test.ts
@@ -115,7 +115,7 @@ describe("buildNarrativeUserPrompt", () => {
     expect(prompt).toContain("WEIGHT");
     expect(prompt).toContain("ACTIVITY_STEPS ~ SLEEP_DURATION");
     expect(prompt).toContain("12 pairs tested");
-    expect(NARRATIVE_PROMPT_VERSION).toBe("1.12.0");
+    expect(NARRATIVE_PROMPT_VERSION).toBe("1.13.0");
   });
 });
 
diff --git a/src/lib/insights/narrative/period-narrative-deterministic.ts b/src/lib/insights/narrative/period-narrative-deterministic.ts
index d51651c54..9f85bb259 100644
--- a/src/lib/insights/narrative/period-narrative-deterministic.ts
+++ b/src/lib/insights/narrative/period-narrative-deterministic.ts
@@ -143,6 +143,30 @@ export function buildDeterministicNarrative(
   const sentences: string[] = [];
 
   const ranked = rankDeltas(context.metricDeltas).slice(0, 3);
+
+  // v1.28.40 — verdict-first: open on a one-line read of the period before the
+  // delta list, so the deterministic floor leads with meaning like the warm AI
+  // narrative beside it. No number is introduced — the movers and their figures
+  // follow in the next sentence.
+  const periodWordEn = context.period === "week" ? "week" : "month";
+  if (ranked.length > 0) {
+    sentences.push(
+      locale === "de"
+        ? context.period === "week"
+          ? "Eine Woche mit echter Bewegung."
+          : "Ein Monat mit echter Bewegung."
+        : `A ${periodWordEn} of real movement.`,
+    );
+  } else {
+    sentences.push(
+      locale === "de"
+        ? context.period === "week"
+          ? "Eine ruhige Woche."
+          : "Ein ruhiger Monat."
+        : `A calm ${periodWordEn}.`,
+    );
+  }
+
   if (ranked.length > 0) {
     const phrases = ranked.map((d) => deltaPhrase(d, locale));
     const joined =
diff --git a/src/lib/insights/narrative/period-narrative-generate.ts b/src/lib/insights/narrative/period-narrative-generate.ts
index dcc1d09f5..3d7df2654 100644
--- a/src/lib/insights/narrative/period-narrative-generate.ts
+++ b/src/lib/insights/narrative/period-narrative-generate.ts
@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@ import {
  * prompt below changes so the cross-feature attribution aggregator can slice
  * quality per (provider × prompt) and a prompt change is observable.
  */
-export const NARRATIVE_PROMPT_VERSION = "1.12.0" as const;
+export const NARRATIVE_PROMPT_VERSION = "1.13.0" as const;
 
 /** A narrative cached this recently is served without regenerating. */
 const NARRATIVE_FRESH_MS = 20 * 60 * 60 * 1000;
@@ -117,7 +117,7 @@ Hard rules:
 - 2 to 4 short sentences. Plain text only — no markdown, no headings, no bullet points, no emojis.
 - If the context is thin, say plainly that there is little to report this period rather than inventing detail.
 
-${composeSharedContracts("en", ["toneContract", "grounding", "safetyGlp1", "safetyAcute", "metricIdentifierBan", "forbiddenFiller", "formattingContract"])}`;
+${composeSharedContracts("en", ["toneContract", "grounding", "openingShape", "safetyGlp1", "safetyAcute", "metricIdentifierBan", "forbiddenFiller", "formattingContract"])}`;
 
 const SYSTEM_PROMPT_DE = `Du fasst den Gesundheits-Tracking-ZEITRAUM einer Person (eine Woche oder einen Monat) für diese Person zusammen.
 Prompt-Version: ${NARRATIVE_PROMPT_VERSION}.
@@ -131,7 +131,7 @@ Feste Regeln:
 - 2 bis 4 kurze Sätze. Nur Klartext — kein Markdown, keine Überschriften, keine Aufzählungen, keine Emojis.
 - Wenn der Kontext dünn ist, sage klar, dass es in diesem Zeitraum wenig zu berichten gibt, statt Details zu erfinden.
 
-${composeSharedContracts("de", ["toneContract", "grounding", "safetyGlp1", "safetyAcute", "metricIdentifierBan", "forbiddenFiller", "formattingContract"])}`;
+${composeSharedContracts("de", ["toneContract", "grounding", "openingShape", "safetyGlp1", "safetyAcute", "metricIdentifierBan", "forbiddenFiller", "formattingContract"])}`;
 
 /**
  * Test-only view of the composed system prompts (incl. the appended shared
diff --git a/src/lib/insights/no-key-fallbacks.ts b/src/lib/insights/no-key-fallbacks.ts
index 323fba9d5..9a3cf8689 100644
--- a/src/lib/insights/no-key-fallbacks.ts
+++ b/src/lib/insights/no-key-fallbacks.ts
@@ -65,11 +65,58 @@ function capitalise(s: string): string {
 }
 
 /**
- * Compose a warm, grounded deterministic line from a metric signal. Names
- * the current value, places it against the user's own baseline, and ends
- * with one pointer (when the value is outside their usual swing) or an
- * honest "nothing to act on" (when it sits in range). Returns null when the
- * signal carries no current value — the caller then uses the generic tip.
+ * v1.28.40 — the verdict-first opener for the deterministic floor. A tiny
+ * CLOSED vocabulary keyed by (direction, outsideNormalSwing) so the line leads
+ * with MEANING before the number, matching the warm AI voice above it. It
+ * introduces no new figure and no new claim — the numbers still come from the
+ * value sentence right after — so grounding is untouched. Returns null when the
+ * signal is too thin to state a confident read (no baseline / no delta), in
+ * which case the line simply opens on the value as before.
+ */
+function verdictLead(
+  signal: MetricSignal,
+  locale: InsightLocale,
+): string | null {
+  // Inside the user's own usual swing → a steady, reassuring verdict.
+  if (signal.outsideNormalSwing === false) {
+    return locale === "de"
+      ? "Stabil und wie gewohnt"
+      : "Steady and much as usual";
+  }
+  // Outside the usual swing → is the move in a favourable or unfavourable
+  // direction? For a target-band metric the direction alone can't say, so it
+  // stays a neutral "worth a look" verdict.
+  if (
+    signal.outsideNormalSwing === true &&
+    signal.delta !== null &&
+    signal.delta !== 0
+  ) {
+    const favourable =
+      signal.direction === "higher-better"
+        ? signal.delta > 0
+        : signal.direction === "lower-better"
+          ? signal.delta < 0
+          : null;
+    if (favourable === true) {
+      return locale === "de"
+        ? "Das geht in eine gute Richtung"
+        : "This is moving in a good direction";
+    }
+    return locale === "de"
+      ? "Zuletzt etwas außerhalb deines üblichen Rahmens"
+      : "A little off your usual lately";
+  }
+  // No baseline / no usable delta → no confident verdict; open on the value.
+  return null;
+}
+
+/**
+ * Compose a warm, grounded deterministic line from a metric signal. Leads with
+ * a plain-words verdict (meaning first), then names the current value placed
+ * against the user's own baseline, and ends with one pointer (when the value is
+ * outside their usual swing) or an honest "nothing to act on" (when it sits in
+ * range). Returns null when the signal carries no current value — the caller
+ * then uses the generic tip.
  */
 function composeGroundedFallback(
   signal: MetricSignal | null | undefined,
@@ -83,7 +130,12 @@ function composeGroundedFallback(
 
   const sentences: string[] = [];
 
-  // 1) Lead with the current value, placed against the user's own baseline.
+  // 0) Verdict-first: lead with what it MEANS in plain words before the number,
+  // so the floor reads like the warm AI voice and never opens on a bare value.
+  const lead = verdictLead(signal, locale);
+  if (lead) sentences.push(`${lead}.`);
+
+  // 1) Then the current value, placed against the user's own baseline.
   if (
     signal.baseline !== null &&
     signal.delta !== null &&
diff --git a/src/lib/insights/pulse-status.ts b/src/lib/insights/pulse-status.ts
index b0862cdfd..bb776a1b8 100644
--- a/src/lib/insights/pulse-status.ts
+++ b/src/lib/insights/pulse-status.ts
@@ -3,6 +3,8 @@ import {
   getPulseSystemPrompt,
   getPulseUserPrompt,
 } from "@/lib/ai/prompts/pulse";
+import { openerArchetypeHint } from "@/lib/ai/prompts/opener-archetype";
+import type { Locale } from "@/lib/i18n/config";
 import {
   formatPreviousContextForPrompt,
   getPreviousInsightContext,
@@ -455,6 +457,8 @@ export async function preparePulseStatusForUser(
       locale,
       previousContextBlock,
       assessmentContextBlock,
+      // v1.28.40 — rotating opener hint, per (user, metric, day).
+      openerArchetypeHint(`${userId}:pulse:${todayKey}`, locale as Locale),
     ),
     snapshotHash,
     // v1.12.7 — match the archetype cards' 0.45.
diff --git a/src/lib/insights/weight-status.ts b/src/lib/insights/weight-status.ts
index 637abe119..023909b7e 100644
--- a/src/lib/insights/weight-status.ts
+++ b/src/lib/insights/weight-status.ts
@@ -3,6 +3,8 @@ import {
   getWeightSystemPrompt,
   getWeightUserPrompt,
 } from "@/lib/ai/prompts/weight";
+import { openerArchetypeHint } from "@/lib/ai/prompts/opener-archetype";
+import type { Locale } from "@/lib/i18n/config";
 import {
   significantPearsonCorrelation,
   type PairedPoint,
@@ -611,6 +613,8 @@ export async function prepareWeightStatusForUser(
       locale,
       previousContextBlock,
       assessmentContextBlock,
+      // v1.28.40 — rotating opener hint, per (user, metric, day).
+      openerArchetypeHint(`${userId}:weight:${todayKey}`, locale as Locale),
     ),
     snapshotHash,
     // v1.12.7 — match the archetype cards' 0.45.