binding force / reliability / liability
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binding force
The quality of being legally or morally binding and obligatory.
Die mündliche Zusage hat in diesem Fall keine rechtliche Verbindlichkeit.
In this case, the verbal commitment has no legal binding force.
The word belongs to the family of 'verbinden' (to connect). The ending '-keit' turns the adjective 'verbindlich' (binding, obligatory) into a noun. So the basic idea of a fixed connection or commitment is contained in the word.
Eine mündliche Zusage ist zwar nett, aber erst der Vertrag schafft Verbindlichkeit.
A verbal commitment is nice, but only the contract creates binding force.
When the word is used in the plural — 'die Verbindlichkeiten' (liabilities) — it almost always means 'financial debts'. This use is typical of business and financial language.
Vor der Kreditvergabe prüft die Bank die bestehenden Verbindlichkeiten des Antragstellers.
Before granting the loan, the bank checks the applicant's existing liabilities.
In the singular, the context distinguishes the meaning: if it is about contracts, laws, or formal rules, legal binding force is meant. If it is about a person's behavior and reliability, the personal quality is meant.
Die AGBs des Vertrags haben rechtliche Verbindlichkeit.
The contract's terms and conditions have legal binding force.
The phrase 'ohne Verbindlichkeit' (without obligation / non-binding) is often used to make clear that information, an offer, or a statement is not legally binding.
Alle Angaben in diesem Prospekt sind ohne Verbindlichkeit.
All information in this brochure is non-binding.
guilt / debt
'die Schuld' and 'die Verbindlichkeit' can both mean money that still has to be paid. When talking about money, 'Schuld' is usually used in the plural as 'Schulden' (debts) and is more common in everyday language. 'Verbindlichkeiten' is more formal and often appears in finance, contracts, or business contexts. Learners may confuse the words because both express a financial obligation. For private everyday situations, 'Schulden' sounds more natural; in reports or accounting, 'Verbindlichkeiten' fits better.
Im Jahresbericht stehen auch die Verbindlichkeiten des Unternehmens.
The annual report also lists the company's liabilities.
Omar hat seine Schulden bei der Bank endlich bezahlt.
Omar has finally paid his debts to the bank.