die Rechenschaft
Translation
accountability, account, justification
Examples
Der Manager muss Rechenschaft ablegen.
The manager must give an account.
Man wird ihn zur Rechenschaft ziehen.
He will be held accountable.
Grammar Patterns
Rechenschaft ablegen ((über+4)) to give an account (of sth.) The politician must give an account of his decision.
((j-n)) zur Rechenschaft ziehen to hold (sb.) accountable They will hold the person responsible accountable.
Similar Words
Verantwortung (responsibility), Rechtfertigung (justification)
Etymology
From 'rechnen' (to calculate, reckon) and the suffix '-schaft' which forms abstract nouns, like English '-ship'.
Memory Tips
Think of having to 'reckon' with your actions and give an account. Often used in the phrase 'Rechenschaft ablegen' (to give an account).