responsibility
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responsibility
The duty or state of bearing the consequences and being accountable for one's own actions, decisions, or assigned tasks. The term is often used in legal or organizational contexts.
Die Geschäftsführung trägt die volle Verantwortlichkeit für die Einhaltung der Sicherheitsvorschriften.
Management bears full responsibility for compliance with the safety regulations.
This noun is derived from the adjective 'verantwortlich' (responsible). It describes the state or quality of being responsible.
Als Projektleiter ist er für das gesamte Team verantwortlich.
As project manager, he is responsible for the entire team.
'Verantwortlichkeit' (responsibility/accountability) is a formal term from the legal, business, and administrative fields. It emphasizes the official duty to be accountable.
Im Vertrag ist die Verantwortlichkeit für eventuelle Schäden klar geregelt.
The contract clearly regulates responsibility for any possible damages.
Common verbs used with 'Verantwortlichkeit' are 'tragen' (to bear), 'übernehmen' (to assume), or 'ablehnen' (to reject). You can also say that responsibility 'liegt' (lies) with someone.
Der neue Abteilungsleiter übernimmt die Verantwortlichkeit für das Budget.
The new department head assumes responsibility for the budget.
To say what someone is responsible for, the preposition 'für' is used with the accusative. This pattern is very common.
Das Unternehmen trägt die Verantwortlichkeit für die Sicherheit seiner Produkte.
The company bears responsibility for the safety of its products.
guilt / debt
'die Schuld' and 'die Verantwortlichkeit' both have to do with responsibility for actions and consequences. 'Schuld' is usually used when something was wrong or negative and someone is responsible for it. 'Verantwortlichkeit' sounds more neutral and more formal. It is often about a duty in a task, in an organization, or before the law. The words can be confused because both ask: Who has to answer for this? Memory tip: 'Schuld' fits mistakes and accusations; 'Verantwortlichkeit' fits responsibility, duties, and areas of responsibility.
Für das Projekt liegt die Verantwortlichkeit bei der Teamleiterin.
Responsibility for the project lies with the team leader.
Nach dem Unfall gab der Fahrer seine Schuld zu.
After the accident, the driver admitted he was at fault.