German Conversation · Level 54
72 words
German word
Pflicht
Pronunciation
IPA/p͡flɪçt/
Meaning
- feminine nounduty
Example
Sie vernachlässigt ihre Pflichten.
She neglects her duties.
More examples
Trotz Müdigkeit kam sie ihrer Pflicht nach.
Although tired, she fulfilled her duty.
Core concept
A responsibility that weighs on someone because rules, morality, or circumstances require action.
Common phrases
seiner Pflicht nachkommen
fulfill his duty
seine Pflicht erfüllen
carry out his duty
eine Pflicht übernehmen
assume a duty
Similar words
Verantwortung: Accountability for outcomes involving people or matters under one's care.
Verpflichtung: A formal obligation arising from a rule, agreement, or promise.
Aufgabe: A specific task or assignment that must be completed.
Definition in German
Pflicht ist eine Aufgabe oder Verantwortung, die jemand erfüllen muss; oft Ausdruck von rechtlicher oder moralischer Bindung.
Word origin
Pflicht is an inherited Germanic word whose Middle High German form phliht referred to a duty or obligation.
Usage tips
- Pflicht sounds more formal and binding than Aufgabe, while Verantwortung focuses more on accountability for an outcome.
Other meanings
- responsibilitynoun
Opposites
- Freiheitfreedomnoun
- Freiwilligkeitvoluntarinessnoun
Related words
- Pflichtbewusstseinconscientiousnessnoun
- pflichtbewusstdutifuladjective
- Pflichtgefühlsense of dutynoun