haften (für)
to be liable for
To be legally or financially responsible for damage, a debt, or an obligation that has occurred, and to have to answer for it.
EXAMPLE
Eltern haften für ihre Kinder.
Parents are liable for their children.
haften
to be liable / to stick
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Meanings
haften (an/auf)
to stick to
To stick to a surface or adhere firmly to it.
EXAMPLE
Der Aufkleber haftet sehr gut auf der glatten Oberfläche.
The sticker sticks very well to the smooth surface.
haften bleiben
to remain
To remain in memory or recollection.
EXAMPLE
Sein seltsames Lächeln ist mir im Gedächtnis haften geblieben.
His strange smile has remained in my memory.
Usage tips
Meaning through preposition
The preposition after 'haften' changes the meaning completely. 'Haften für' means to take responsibility, while 'haften an/auf' describes physical sticking.
EXAMPLE
Der Aufkleber haftet nicht gut auf der rauen Wand.
The sticker does not stick well to the rough wall.
Sentence structure with 'für'
In the legal meaning, 'haften' always appears with the preposition 'für' followed by the accusative. The structure is: someone is liable for something/someone.
EXAMPLE
Laut Vertrag haftet die Firma für alle Lieferverzögerungen.
According to the contract, the company is liable for all delivery delays.
Sentence structure with 'an/auf'
When 'haften' means 'kleben' (to stick), it is used with the prepositions 'an' or 'auf' and the dative. It describes where something is physically attached.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Spaziergang im Wald haftete Schmutz an meinen Schuhen.
After the walk in the forest, dirt was sticking to my shoes.
Fixed expression
The expression 'im Gedächtnis haften bleiben' (to remain in memory) is a fixed combination. It describes a memory that is very strong and present. The person is in the dative.
EXAMPLE
Diese besondere Melodie ist mir seit meiner Kindheit im Gedächtnis haften geblieben.
This special melody has remained in my memory since my childhood.
Compare with
haften vs hängen
to hang
Hängen and haften can both describe something being attached to a wall. With hängen, the object is supported by a single point or a holder and hangs down. With haften, it stays attached through direct contact with the surface.
haften
Das Schild haftet mit Klebestreifen direkt an der Wand.
The sign sticks directly to the wall with adhesive strips.
hängen
Das Schild hängt an einem Haken an der Wand.
The sign hangs from a hook on the wall.
In real life
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