Verpflichtungen

/fɛɐ̯ˈpflɪçtʊŋən/

obligations

Ich habe viele berufliche und private Verpflichtungen.

I have many professional and personal obligations.

formal

Duties or responsibilities that one is legally, morally, or contractually bound to fulfill.

Die Firma hat ihre finanziellen Verpflichtungen nicht erfüllt.

The company did not meet its financial obligations.

Eltern haben die Verpflichtung, für ihre Kinder zu sorgen.

Parents have the obligation to care for their children.

Often used in legal, financial, or personal contexts to describe duties that cannot be ignored.

Collocations

berufliche Verpflichtungenprofessional obligationsfinanzielle Verpflichtungenfinancial obligationsfamiliäre Verpflichtungenfamily obligationsVerpflichtungen erfüllento fulfill obligationsVerpflichtungen eingehento incur obligations

Synonyms

Pflichten Verbindlichkeiten Verantwortlichkeiten

Antonyms

Rechte Freiheiten Optionen

Related Phrases

sich zu etwas verpflichtenphrase

to commit oneself to something

Pro Tip

Common Collocations

Remember that 'Verpflichtungen' often pairs with adjectives like 'beruflich' (professional), 'finanziell' (financial), or 'familiär' (family) to specify the context. Example: 'familiäre Verpflichtungen' (family obligations).

Gold Rule

Formal vs. Informal

Use 'Verpflichtungen' in formal or written contexts (e.g., legal documents, contracts). In casual speech, 'Pflichten' or 'Verantwortlichkeiten' may be more common.

Word Origin

From the verb 'verpflichten' (to obligate, commit) + '-ung' (suffix forming nouns from verbs, indicating action or result). 'Verpflichten' itself comes from 'ver-' (a prefix indicating completion or intensification) + 'pflichten' (to pledge, from Middle High German 'phlichten', related to 'Pflicht' meaning duty).

Usage Notes

The singular form 'Verpflichtung' is more commonly used in everyday speech, while the plural 'Verpflichtungen' often appears in formal or legal contexts to emphasize multiple duties. Avoid confusing with 'Verpflichtung' (singular) which can also mean 'commitment' in a broader sense.

Word Breakdown

ver-

prefix indicating completion or intensification

prefix

pflicht-

duty, obligation

root

-ung

suffix forming nouns from verbs

suffix

-en

plural marker

suffix

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