die Schuld
Translation
guilt, fault, blame, debt
Examples
Er gibt mir die Schuld für alles.
He blames me for everything.
Sie hat hohe Schulden bei der Bank.
She has high debts at the bank.
Es ist nicht deine Schuld.
It is not your fault.
Grammar Patterns
to be at fault ((for sth.)) He is at fault for the accident.
to have debts ((with sb.)) She has debts with the bank.
Similar Words
Synonyms: die Verantwortung (responsibility), die Last (burden); Antonym: die Unschuld (innocence)
Etymology
From Old High German 'sculd' meaning 'obligation' or 'sin'. It's a cognate of the English word 'should'.
Memory Tips
Connect 'Schuld' (debt) with the idea that you 'should' pay it back. The moral 'guilt' and financial 'debt' meanings are linked by a sense of obligation.