die Verantwortung, -en
responsibility
Die Pflicht, für etwas zu sorgen oder die Folgen seines Handelns zu tragen.
The German word "Verantwortung" is a noun meaning "responsibility."
- It is composed of "Antwort" (answer, response) — the core word — and the prefix "Ver-" which often conveys a process or completeness.
- So, "Verantwortung" refers to the state or duty of being an answerer or accountable for something.
Similar words:
- Pflicht (duty, obligation)
- Haftung (liability)
- Zuständigkeit (competence, jurisdiction)
Differences:
- Verantwortung emphasizes moral or ethical accountability.
- Pflicht stresses an obligation or task.
- Haftung is legal responsibility/liability.
- Zuständigkeit denotes official authority or competence.
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Examples
Ich übernehme Verantwortung für meine Taten.noun
I take responsibility for my actions.
Die Verantwortung liegt bei ihm.noun
The responsibility lies with him.
Die Verantwortung liegt bei uns.noun
The responsibility lies with us.
Für diese Aufgabe trage ich Verantwortung.noun
I bear responsibility for this task.
Die Verantwortung lastet schwer auf seinen Schultern.noun
The responsibility weighs heavily on his shoulders.
Er trägt Verantwortung für das Projekt.noun
He bears responsibility for the project.
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