Verb

verantworten

Translation

to be responsible for, to answer for, to justify

Der Manager muss die Entscheidung verantworten.

The manager has to be responsible for the decision.

Er musste sich vor Gericht verantworten.

He had to answer for his actions in court.

Das kann ich nicht verantworten.

I cannot take responsibility for that.

((sth.)) verantworten to be responsible for sth. The minister is responsible for the reform.

sich ((für sth.)) verantworten to answer for sth. He had to answer for his mistakes.

sich ((vor sb.)) verantworten to answer to sb. She is answering to the committee.

Synonyms: geradestehen für (to answer for), haften für (to be liable for); Antonyms: sich entziehen (to evade)

From `ver-` (a prefix indicating completion or change) + `Antwort` (answer). Literally, 'to give an answer for' something.

Think of having to provide an 'Antwort' (answer) for your actions. The `ver-` prefix intensifies this, making it a formal responsibility.