Verb

verpflichten

Translation

to obligate, to oblige, to commit, to bind

Das Gesetz verpflichtet ihn zur Zahlung.

The law obligates him to pay.

Ich verpflichte mich zur Hilfe.

I commit myself to helping.

Er ist ihr zu Dank verpflichtet.

He is indebted to her with thanks.

((j-n)) ((zu et3)) verpflichten to obligate (sb.) (to sth.) The law obligates him to pay.

sichAkk ((zu et3)) verpflichten to commit (oneself) (to sth.) I commit myself to secrecy.

((j-m)) ((zu et3)) verpflichtet sein to be indebted (to sb.) (for sth.) I am indebted to you with thanks.

Synonyms: zwingen (to force), nötigen (to compel); Antonyms: befreien (to free)

From the prefix 'ver-' and 'Pflicht' (duty). Literally 'to put a duty on someone'.

Think of it as the action of giving a 'Pflicht' (duty).