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Verbindlichkeiten
/fɛɐ̯ˈbɪndlɪçkaɪ̯tn̩/
liabilities
Die Verbindlichkeiten des Unternehmens betragen 5 Millionen Euro.
The company's liabilities amount to 5 million euros.
Finance
technical
Financial obligations or debts owed by a company or individual, typically recorded as liabilities on a balance sheet.
Die Verbindlichkeiten umfassen Kredite, Lieferantenverbindlichkeiten und Steuerschulden.
The liabilities include loans, accounts payable, and tax debts.
In accounting, 'Verbindlichkeiten' are classified as current (due within one year) or non-current (long-term).
Law
formal
Legal obligations or duties that must be fulfilled.
Der Vertrag enthält mehrere Verbindlichkeiten für beide Parteien.
The contract contains several obligations for both parties.
Often used in contracts or legal documents to describe binding duties.
Collocations
kurzfristige Verbindlichkeitencurrent liabilitieslangfristige Verbindlichkeitennon-current liabilitiesVerbindlichkeiten begleichento settle liabilitiesVerbindlichkeiten gegenüber Drittenliabilities to third parties
Synonyms
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Financial vs. Legal Context
In finance, 'Verbindlichkeiten' refers to debts or obligations recorded on a balance sheet. In legal contexts, it describes duties or responsibilities under a contract or law. Pay attention to the context to determine the correct meaning.
Gold Rule
Plural Only
The word 'Verbindlichkeiten' is always used in the plural form in German. There is no singular 'Verbindlichkeit' in common usage, especially in financial contexts.
Word Origin
From 'ver-' (prefix indicating completion/obligation) + 'binden' (to bind/oblige) + '-lichkeiten' (suffix forming plural nouns). Literally 'things that bind one', reflecting the idea of obligations that must be fulfilled.
Usage Notes
Always plural in German. In financial contexts, it is a key term in balance sheets (Bilanz) and accounting. Avoid using the singular 'Verbindlichkeit' in everyday contexts, as it is rare.
Word Breakdown
ver-
prefix indicating completion or obligation
prefixbinden
to bind or oblige
root-lichkeiten
plural suffix forming abstract nouns
suffixDeutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch