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
„Verantwortung“ is the duty to take care of something and bear its possible consequences. „Schuld“, by contrast, is usually assigned after a mistake or damage and often implies blame. „Verantwortung“ is appropriate for a task, while „Schuld“ is used for being at fault for a mistake.
Vor dem Start des Systems trägt der Techniker die Verantwortung für die Datensicherung.
Before the system starts, the technician is responsible for the data backup.
Nach dem Datenverlust gab der Chef dem Techniker die Schuld.
After the data loss, the boss blamed the technician.
