die Verbindlichkeit
Translation
commitment, obligation, liability, courtesy
Examples
Die Verbindlichkeit dieses Vertrags ist unklar.
The binding nature of this contract is unclear.
Das Unternehmen hat hohe Verbindlichkeiten.
The company has high liabilities.
Er ist für seine Verbindlichkeit bekannt.
He is known for his courtesy.
Grammar Patterns
((et4)) haben to have (liabilities/obligations) Das Unternehmen hat hohe Verbindlichkeiten.
Similar Words
Synonyms: obligation, liability; courtesy. Antonyms: non-commitment.
Etymology
From the adjective 'verbindlich' plus the suffix '-keit', which forms abstract nouns. It means 'the state of being binding'.
Memory Tips
Note the dual meaning: a legal 'binding' (obligation, liability) and a social 'binding' (courtesy). The plural 'Verbindlichkeiten' almost always means financial liabilities.