debt
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debt
The state of having debts, or the total amount of debt of a person, company, or state.
Die hohe Verschuldung des Unternehmens führte schließlich zur Insolvenz.
The company's high debt eventually led to insolvency.
The word is derived from the verb 'sich verschulden' (to go into debt). The ending '-ung' forms nouns from verbs that describe a process or state. All nouns ending in '-ung' are feminine (die).
Die Verschuldung ist ein großes Problem für viele junge Leute.
Debt is a major problem for many young people.
'Verschuldung' (debt) is a technical term from economics and politics. It is used when talking about the finances of states, companies, or also private individuals.
In den Nachrichten wurde über die steigende Staatsverschuldung berichtet.
The news reported on rising national debt.
Common verbs used with 'Verschuldung' (debt) are 'abbauen' (to reduce), 'reduzieren' (to reduce), or 'senken' (to lower). Adjectives that are often used are 'hoch' (high), 'niedrig' (low), or 'steigend' (rising).
Die Regierung plant, die öffentliche Verschuldung in den nächsten Jahren abzubauen.
The government plans to reduce public debt in the coming years.
To specify whose debts are meant, you usually use the genitive or a prepositional phrase with 'von' (of/from). The genitive is more common in written language.
Die Verschuldung des Unternehmens ist besorgniserregend.
The company's debt is concerning.
guilt / debt
'die Schuld' and 'die Verschuldung' can both have to do with money that has to be paid back. When talking about money, 'Schuld' is usually used in the plural: 'Schulden' (debts). 'Verschuldung' more often describes the state of having these debts or the amount of them, especially for people, companies, or states. Learners may confuse the words because both talk about being in debt. More natural is: 'Ich habe Schulden' (I have debts) in everyday life, but 'die Verschuldung steigt' (debt is rising) in reports, finance, or politics.
Die Verschuldung der Firma ist in diesem Jahr stark gestiegen.
The company's debt has risen sharply this year.
Nach dem Umzug hat Paul noch Schulden bei seiner Schwester.
After the move, Paul still has debts to his sister.