die Verantwortung
Translation
responsibility, accountability
Examples
Eltern haben die Verantwortung für ihre Kinder.
Parents have responsibility for their children.
Er übernahm die volle Verantwortung für den Fehler.
He took full responsibility for the mistake.
Das liegt nicht in meiner Verantwortung.
That is not my responsibility.
Grammar Patterns
to have/bear responsibility ((for sth.)) She bears the responsibility for the project.
to take/assume responsibility ((for sth.)) Who will take responsibility?
Similar Words
Synonyms: die Zuständigkeit (area of responsibility), die Pflicht (duty)
Etymology
From 'ver-' (prefix) + 'Antwort' (answer) + '-ung' (noun suffix). Literally, the state of having to 'answer for' one's actions.
Memory Tips
When you have 'Verantwortung', you must have an 'Antwort' (answer) if something goes wrong.