to take the blame / serve as
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to take the blame for
To bear the negative consequences for something or serve as a scapegoat, often for the mistakes or actions of others.
Der Abteilungsleiter musste für die Fehlentscheidung des Vorstands herhalten.
The department head had to take the blame for the board's bad decision.
to serve as
To serve as an example, pretext, or justification for something.
Das schlechte Wetter musste als Ausrede für die geringe Besucherzahl herhalten.
The bad weather had to serve as an excuse for the low number of visitors.
'Herhalten' is a separable verb. The prefix 'her-' goes at the end of the main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive, the verb stays together.
Oft muss der jüngere Bruder für die Streiche des älteren herhalten.
Often the younger brother has to take the blame for the older one's pranks.
This verb is almost always used with the prepositions 'für' (for) or 'als' (as). The choice of preposition determines the exact meaning of the sentence.
Er musste als Beispiel für die ganze Klasse herhalten.
He had to serve as an example for the whole class.
The construction 'herhalten für etwas' means to bear the blame or the negative consequences for something. After 'für' comes the mistake, problem, or person one is standing in for.
Der Praktikant musste für den Fehler seines Chefs herhalten.
The intern had to take the blame for his boss's mistake.
The construction 'herhalten als etwas' means to serve as an example, excuse, or for a particular purpose. After 'als' comes the role or function that something or someone takes on.
Ein altes T-Shirt musste als Putzlappen herhalten.
An old T-shirt had to serve as a cleaning rag.
