lead
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lead
The primary responsibility, leadership, and coordination for a project, initiative, or task. Often used in the phrase 'unter der Federführung von' (under the leadership of).
Das Projekt wurde unter der Federführung des Bundesministeriums für Bildung und Forschung realisiert.
The project was carried out under the leadership of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research.
The word is made up of 'Feder' (quill/pen) and 'Führung' (leadership). It comes from a time when documents were written with a quill. Whoever 'die Feder führte' (held the pen) therefore had control and responsibility over the content and thus over the entire undertaking.
Früher schrieben die Gelehrten ihre Bücher mit einer Gänsefeder.
In the past, scholars wrote their books with a goose quill.
'Federführung' (lead) is very often used in the fixed expression 'unter der Federführung von' (under the leadership of) + dative. This construction emphasizes who was in charge.
Die Studie entstand unter der Federführung eines renommierten Instituts.
The study was produced under the leadership of a renowned institute.
Typical verbs combined with 'Federführung' (lead) are 'die Federführung haben' (to have the lead), 'die Federführung übernehmen' (to take the lead), or 'die Federführung innehaben' (to hold the lead).
Welche Abteilung hat bei diesem Projekt die Federführung?
Which department has the lead on this project?
responsibility
'die Verantwortung' and 'die Federführung' both have to do with responsibility. 'Verantwortung' is general: someone has to make sure that something goes properly. 'Federführung' is more specific and means that a person or institution leads a project and coordinates the work. The word often appears in the form 'unter der Federführung von' (under the leadership of). Learners may confuse the words because the person with the 'Federführung' often also bears responsibility. If you only mean the duty or obligation, 'Verantwortung' fits. If it is about leading and coordinating a project, 'Federführung' is more precise.
Unter der Federführung von Frau Becker plant das Team den ganzen Termin.
Under Ms. Becker's leadership, the team is planning the entire appointment.
Bei der neuen Software liegt die Verantwortung für den Datenschutz beim Anbieter.
With the new software, responsibility for data protection lies with the provider.