noun

die Haftung, -en

liability

Pflicht, für einen Schaden oder ein Problem einzustehen und die Folgen zu tragen.

Definition & meaning

The German word Haftung primarily refers to the legal or financial responsibility for an action, a debt, or damages. It is a fundamental concept in law and business.

Legal/Financial Responsibility: The obligation to answer for a debt, a breach of contract, or damages caused to others. For example, if someone causes an accident, they may face Haftung for the resulting injuries or property damage.
Adhesion/Bonding (Technical/Scientific): In physics or chemistry, it refers to the physical sticking together of two surfaces or materials (adhesion). This is often used in the context of glues, coatings, or biological cells.

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar: The word is a feminine noun (die Haftung). It does not have a common plural form, although Haftungen can be used in specific technical or legal contexts to refer to multiple liabilities.
Origin: It is derived from the Old High German verb haftēn, meaning to stick, to cling, or to be fastened. This is etymologically related to the German verb haften (to be liable/to stick). The suffix -ung is used to turn the verb into a noun, representing the state or result of the action.