German word

Verantwortung

Pronunciation

IPA/fɛɐ̯ˈantvɔɐ̯tʊŋ/

Meaning

  • feminine nounresponsibility

Example

Er trägt die Verantwortung für das Projekt.

He bears responsibility for the project.

Illustration for Verantwortung (responsibility)

More examples

In der Schule sollten Jugendliche Verantwortung übernehmen.

At school, young people should assume responsibility.

Core concept

A person carries a project on their shoulders while standing ready to answer for what happens to it.

Common phrases

  • Verantwortung übernehmen

    assume responsibility

  • Verantwortung tragen

    bear responsibility

Similar words

Pflicht: A duty required by rules or by a role.
Zuständigkeit: The area of work that someone is responsible for handling.
Aufgabe: A specific piece of work that has been assigned or needs to be done.
Verpflichtung: A duty arising from a contract or promise.

Definition in German

Verantwortung ist die Pflicht, für eine Aufgabe oder Person zu sorgen und die Folgen eines Handelns zu tragen.

Word origin

Verantwortung derives from the verb verantworten, formed from antworten, 'to answer', with the prefix ver- and the noun-forming suffix -ung.

Usage tips

  • The usual pattern is Verantwortung für etwas or jemanden, with für taking the accusative case.

Opposites

  • Verantwortungslosigkeitirresponsibilitynoun

Related words

  • verantwortlichresponsibleadjective
  • Verantwortungsbewusstseinsense of responsibilitynoun

Word lists with this word