Speaking about Responsibility in German

On Yabla German, you may have come across several different adjectives that are translated with the English adjective "responsible."

The word zuständig is commonly used to describe responsibility for a particular task, often in professional contexts.

Ich bin zuständig dort für die Öffentlichkeitsarbeit und Abfallberatung.

I am responsible for public relations and garbage consultation there.

Caption 8, Mülltrennung - in Heidelberg
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Für die Klimatechnik in den Restaurants ist Handwerker Max zuständig.

The handyman Max is responsible for the air conditioning in the restaurants.

Caption 15, Frankfurter Flughafen - Ja zu FRA! Erklärfilm
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Verantwortlich is similar to zuständig in how it is used, but often describes a higher level of legal or political responsibility.

Diese Aktion ist Teil einer internationalen Kampagne,

This action is part of an international campaign,

die sich gegen Dänemark richtet,

that is directed against Denmark,

weil Dänemark, äh, politisch verantwortlich ist.

because Denmark, uh, is politically responsible.

Captions 11-12, PETA-Aktion - Gegen das Wal-Massaker
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Verantwortungsvoll and zuverlässig are used to describe a permanent personality trait. Zuverlässig, however, more specifically means "competent," "dependable," "trustworthy," or "reliable."

Der Präventionstag soll den Jugendlichen den Anstoß geben,

Prevention Day is meant to give young people a nudge

in für sie heiklen Situationen verantwortungsvoll zu handeln.

towards acting responsibly in delicate situations.

Captions 44-45, Gewaltprävention - Gewalt an Schulen
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Haben wir zuverlässige Leute in allen Wehrkreisen?

Do we have trustworthy people in all military districts?

Caption 39, Die Stunde der Offiziere - Dokudrama über den 20. Juli 1944
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Further Learning
Search for more instances of zuständig, verantwortlich, verantwortungsvoll, and zuverlässig on Yabla German and practice the declensions of these adjectives.