to oblige / commit
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to oblige someone to do something
To force someone to do something through a law, contract, or moral rule.
Der Vertrag verpflichtet den Mieter, die Wohnung am Ende zu renovieren.
The contract obliges the tenant to renovate the apartment at the end.
The word contains 'die Pflicht' (duty). To 'verpflichten' (to oblige) someone literally means to give them a duty or bind them to a duty. This origin helps you understand the core meaning.
Das Gesetz verpflichtet alle Bürger, Steuern zu zahlen.
The law obliges all citizens to pay taxes.
The verb can be used reflexively or non-reflexively. 'Sich verpflichten' (to commit oneself) means that you voluntarily give yourself a task. 'Jemanden verpflichten' (to oblige someone) means that another person or a law imposes the duty.
Ich habe mich verpflichtet, bei dem Projekt zu helfen.
I have committed myself to helping with the project.
The obligation is always expressed with the preposition 'zu' and the dative. The structure is '(sich) zu etwas verpflichten' (to commit/oblige oneself to something).
Die Firma verpflichtete sich zur Lieferung bis Ende des Monats.
The company committed itself to delivery by the end of the month.
When 'verpflichten' (to sign) is used without the preposition 'zu', it usually means to put a professional under contract. This usage is typical for sports clubs, theaters, or orchestras.
Der Verein hat eine neue Spielerin für die nächste Saison verpflichtet.
The club has signed a new player for next season.
to hire / adjust / stop
'einstellen' and 'verpflichten' can both mean that someone is brought in for work or a task. 'einstellen' is used generally when a company gives someone a job. This fits normal jobs in an office, a shop, or a workshop. 'verpflichten' sounds more like a contract and is used especially for artists, athletes, or special experts. A club 'verpflichtet' a player; a theater 'verpflichtet' a singer. Learners may confuse the words because in both cases someone becomes professionally tied to something. In everyday working life, 'einstellen' is usually more natural.
Der Verein hat einen neuen Torwart für die nächste Saison verpflichtet.
The club has signed a new goalkeeper for next season.
Die Firma stellt im Herbst zwei neue Techniker ein.
The company is hiring two new technicians in the fall.