responsibility
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responsibility
The duty or task of ensuring that something specific happens correctly and without harm, and of bearing the consequences if it fails.
Als Projektleiterin trägt sie die volle Verantwortung für den Erfolg des Projekts.
As project manager, she bears full responsibility for the success of the project.
The word 'Verantwortung' (responsibility) belongs to the word family of 'Antwort' (answer). It describes the duty to give an 'Antwort' (answer) for one's own actions, that is, to bear the consequences.
Eltern müssen lernen, ihren Kindern Verantwortung beizubringen.
Parents have to learn to teach their children responsibility.
'Verantwortung' (responsibility) is very often combined with the verbs 'tragen' (to bear/carry) or 'übernehmen' (to take on). 'Verantwortung tragen' (to bear responsibility) describes the state, while 'Verantwortung übernehmen' (to take responsibility) describes the active process of accepting the duty.
Als Kapitän trägt er die Verantwortung für die gesamte Besatzung.
As captain, he bears responsibility for the entire crew.
You have Verantwortung 'für' (for) something (accusative) or 'gegenüber' (toward) someone (dative). These two prepositions are crucial for correct usage.
Der Manager hat die Verantwortung für das Budget.
The manager has responsibility for the budget.
A very common fixed expression is 'jemanden zur Verantwortung ziehen' (to hold someone accountable). It means that someone is required to bear the consequences for their actions.
Nach dem Skandal wurden die Verantwortlichen zur Verantwortung gezogen.
After the scandal, those responsible were held accountable.
guilt / debt
'die Schuld' and 'die Verantwortung' both have to do with someone having to be accountable for something. However, 'Verantwortung' is often neutral: you have a task and must make sure that something goes well. 'Schuld' is usually used when something has gone wrong or someone has made a mistake. For this reason, learners may confuse the words, especially after a problem. A simple difference is: you can have responsibility before an event, but blame or guilt usually only after a mistake or damage has occurred.
Im Projekt trägt Anna die Verantwortung für den Zeitplan.
In the project, Anna is responsible for the schedule.
Nach dem Unfall gab der Fahrer seine Schuld zu.
After the accident, the driver admitted his guilt.