German word

gebunden

Pronunciation

IPA/gəˈbʊndn̩/

Meaning

  • adjectivetied

Example

Die Hände sind gebunden.

The hands are tied.

Illustration for gebunden (tied)

More examples

In dieser Firma sind Aufgaben strikt an Positionen gebunden.

In this company, tasks are strictly tied to positions.

Core concept

Hands held by a cord, with the cord also representing a rule or contract that limits available choices.

Common phrases

  • kulturell gebunden sein

    be culturally bound

  • an Positionen gebunden sein

    be tied to positions

  • vertraglich gebunden sein

    be contractually bound

Similar words

verbindlich: Formally binding and required under an official rule or agreement.
verpflichtet: Under a duty to act because of a promise or contractual commitment.
festgelegt: Fixed by prior decisions or conditions and therefore not changeable.

Definition in German

Rechtlich oder vertraglich an eine Verpflichtung gebunden und dadurch in Handlungen eingeschränkt.

Word origin

Gebunden is the past participle of inherited Germanic binden, related to English bind, formed with the participial prefix ge- and the ending -en.

Usage tips

  • In the legal phrase an etwas gebunden sein, etwas is normally accusative: an einen Vertrag or an eine Zusage gebunden sein.

Other meanings

  • boundadjective

Opposites

  • ungebundenunboundadjective
  • selbstbestimmtself-determinedadjective

Related words

  • bindendbindingadjective
  • Bindungconnectionnoun

Word lists with this word