die / der  Verantwortliche

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/fɛɐ̯ˈʔantvɔʁtlɪçə/

💡 Meaning of 'Verantwortliche'

The word Verantwortliche is a nominalized adjective derived from verantwortlich (responsible). It refers to a person who bears responsibility for something.

Depending on the gender of the person, the corresponding article is used:

• der Verantwortliche: Refers to a male person who is responsible. (masculine)
• die Verantwortliche: Refers to a female person who is responsible. (feminine)

It's important to note that this is a nominalization. The declension follows the rules for nominalized adjectives.

🚨 Attention: Do not confuse this with the adjective verantwortlich itself (e.g., "Er ist verantwortlich." - He is responsible.). 'Der/Die Verantwortliche' always refers to a person.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📚 Grammar Deep Dive: Der/Die Verantwortliche

'Verantwortliche' is declined like an adjective used as a noun. The declension depends on the article (definite, indefinite) or the absence of an article, as well as the case and number.

Example Sentences

1. Der Verantwortliche für das Projekt hat heute eine Präsentation gehalten.
   (The person responsible (m.) for the project gave a presentation today.)
2. Wir müssen mit der Verantwortlichen für die Finanzen sprechen.
   (We need to speak with the person responsible (f.) for finances.)
3. Als Verantwortlicher trage ich die Konsequenzen.
   (As the responsible person (m. or generic use without article), I bear the consequences.)
4. Die Polizei sucht nach den Verantwortlichen für den Einbruch.
   (The police are looking for the people responsible for the burglary.)
5. Ich habe mich an eine Verantwortliche gewandt.
   (I turned to a responsible person (f.).)

🗣️ How 'Verantwortliche' is Used

'Der/Die Verantwortliche' is frequently used in formal and professional contexts to name the person in charge of a specific task, department, project, or even responsible for a mistake or problem.

• Professional: "Der Verantwortliche für das Marketing ist Herr Müller." (The person responsible (m.) for marketing is Mr. Müller.) / "Die Verantwortliche für Personalfragen ist Frau Schneider." (The person responsible (f.) for HR matters is Ms. Schneider.)
• Legal/Administrative: "Der Verantwortliche im Sinne der DSGVO ist..." (The controller according to GDPR is...) / "Die Verantwortlichen wurden zur Rechenschaft gezogen." (The responsible parties were held accountable.)
• General: "Wer ist der Verantwortliche für diese Unordnung?" (Who is the person responsible for this mess?)

Compared to 'Leiter/in' (leader/head) or 'Chef/in' (boss), 'Verantwortliche/r' more strongly emphasizes accountability and jurisdiction over specific areas or incidents.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Remembering the Articles (Der/Die)

Remember: Responsibility can be carried by a man (der) or a woman (die). It describes a person.

Remembering the Meaning

Think of 'Ver-antwort-liche'. The word 'Antwort' means 'answer'. The 'Verantwortliche' is the person who must provide answers and be accountable for what happened.

↔️ Opposites and Similar Words

⚠️ Caution: 'Der/Die Betroffene' (the affected person) is not always synonymous. An affected person is someone impacted by something, but they aren't necessarily the responsible one.

😂 A Little Joke

German: Fragt der Chef: "Wer ist hier der Verantwortliche für gute Laune?"
Meldet sich ein Mitarbeiter: "Ich nicht, Chef, ich bin nur für das Chaos zuständig!"

English Translation: The boss asks: "Who is the one responsible for the good mood around here?"
An employee speaks up: "Not me, boss, I'm only responsible for the chaos!"

📜 A Short Poem

German:
Ob Mann, ob Frau, ob groß, ob klein,
Irgendwer muss Verantwortlicher sein.
Für Plan und Tat, für Freud und Leid,
Steht er oder sie allzeit bereit.

Die Verantwortliche, sie lenkt und wacht,
Der Verantwortliche hat's auch nicht leicht gemacht.
Am Ende zählt, was man vollbracht,
Wer gut geführt, wer nachgedacht.

English Translation:
Be it man or woman, tall or small,
Someone must be the responsible one for all.
For plan and deed, for joy and sorrow,
He or she stands ready, today and tomorrow.

The responsible woman, she guides and watches near,
The responsible man also faces tasks severe.
In the end, it's what's achieved that's key,
Who led well, who thought carefully.

❓ Who or What Am I?

German:
Ich trage Last, doch nicht aus Stein,
Mal bin ich 'er', mal kann ich 'sie' sein.
Wenn etwas klappt, hör ich Applaus,
Geht's schief, suchst du mich schnell heraus.
Ob Mann, ob Frau, das ist egal,
Die Pflicht zu tragen ist meine Wahl (oder Qual).

Wer bin ich?

English Translation:
I carry weight, but not of stone,
Sometimes I'm 'he', sometimes as 'she' I'm known.
If things go well, applause I hear,
If things go wrong, you seek me out with fear.
Whether man or woman, it doesn't make a case,
To bear the duty is my chosen place (or pain).

Who am I?

Solution: Der/Die Verantwortliche (The responsible person)

✨ Further Insights

Word Origin & Structure

The word 'Verantwortliche(r)' is a substantivization (nominalization) of the adjective verantwortlich (responsible). This adjective derives from the verb antworten (to answer), with the prefix ver-, which here has a causative or intensive meaning (to cause something, to vouch for something). The suffix -lich forms the adjective.

The structure is therefore: ver- + antworten + -lich + (nominalized ending -e/-er)

It belongs to the word family around 'Antwort' (answer), 'verantworten' (to answer for, be responsible for), 'Verantwortung' (responsibility).