die  Verbindlichkeit

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/fɛɐ̯ˈbɪntlɪçkaɪt/

🤝 What does "die Verbindlichkeit" mean?

Die Verbindlichkeit is a feminine noun derived from the adjective verbindlich (binding, obligatory, reliable). It has several related meanings:

• Obligation / Binding Nature: This is the most common meaning. It describes the state of being legally or morally obligated to something. Example: Die Verbindlichkeit eines Vertrages (The binding nature of a contract).
• Reliability / Dependability: It can also describe a personal quality – the trait of being reliable and keeping promises. Example: Seine Verbindlichkeit wurde von allen geschätzt (His reliability was appreciated by everyone).
• (Plural) Liabilities / Debts: In the plural, Verbindlichkeiten, especially in finance and accounting, refers to debts or financial obligations. Example: Die Verbindlichkeiten des Unternehmens übersteigen die Vermögenswerte (The company's liabilities exceed its assets).
• Courtesy / Obligingness (less common): In slightly older usage, it could also mean formal politeness or obligingness. Example: Er begegnete ihr mit aller Verbindlichkeit (He treated her with all due courtesy).

🚨 Note: Although mostly used in the singular, the plural die Verbindlichkeiten has a specific meaning in the financial context (liabilities, debts).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Die Verbindlichkeit

Die Verbindlichkeit is a feminine noun. Nouns ending in -keit are almost always feminine in German.

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

The plural die Verbindlichkeiten is primarily used in finance to mean 'liabilities' or 'debts'.

Example Sentences 📜

1. Die Verbindlichkeit seiner Zusage steht außer Frage.
   (The binding nature of his promise is beyond question.)
2. Ich schätze ihre Verbindlichkeit und Pünktlichkeit sehr.
   (I really appreciate her reliability and punctuality.)
3. Das Unternehmen muss seine kurzfristigen Verbindlichkeiten begleichen.
   (The company must settle its short-term liabilities.)
4. Eine gewisse Verbindlichkeit im Umgang miteinander schadet nie.
   (A certain degree of courtesy/formality in dealing with each other never hurts.)

💡 How to use "Verbindlichkeit"?

Die Verbindlichkeit is often used in formal contexts, particularly in business, law, and discussions about ethics or personal responsibility.

• Contracts and Agreements: Here, it emphasizes the binding character. "Die rechtliche Verbindlichkeit der Klausel prüfen." (To check the legal validity/binding nature of the clause.)
• Finance: In the plural (Verbindlichkeiten), it's a standard term for debts/liabilities on a balance sheet. "Die langfristigen Verbindlichkeiten sind gesunken." (The long-term liabilities have decreased.)
• Interpersonal Relationships: It describes reliability and keeping promises. "Mir fehlt bei ihm die nötige Verbindlichkeit." (I find him lacking the necessary reliability/commitment.)
• Contrast with "Unverbindlichkeit": The opposite, Unverbindlichkeit (non-binding nature, lack of commitment), is often used for contrast. An unverbindliche inquiry has no legal or moral strings attached, unlike a verbindliche promise.
• Comparison with "Verpflichtung": Verpflichtung (obligation, duty) focuses more on the duty itself, whereas Verbindlichkeit often highlights the binding character or the quality of reliability.

⚠️ Avoid using Verbindlichkeit solely to mean politeness, as this can sound dated; today, it usually implies reliability or obligation.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Tip for the Article (die):

Words ending in -keit in German are almost always feminine (die). Think of other abstract qualities: die Fröhlichkeit (happiness), die Sauberkeit (cleanliness), die Möglichkeit (possibility)... and die Verbindlichkeit. The "-keit" suffix practically shouts "DIE"!

Tip for the Meaning:

Think of the verb verbinden (to connect, to bind). A Verbindung (connection) creates a link. Verbindlichkeit is what makes that connection strong and reliable – a firm promise, an obligation you can count on. Like a strong rope that binds two points together securely.

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ Similar Words (Potential for Confusion):

• Verbindung (die): Connection, link. The relationship or link itself, not the obligation arising from it. (e.g., eine gute Verbindung haben - to have a good connection)
• Bündnis (das): Alliance, pact. A formal union, often political or military.

😄 A Little Joke

Warum hat der unverbindliche Mann nie Schulden?

Weil er sich nie auf etwas festlegt – nicht mal auf Ratenzahlungen! 😉

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Why does the non-committal man never have debts?

Because he never commits to anything – not even installment payments! 😉

📜 A Little Poem about Verbindlichkeit

Ein Wort, gesprochen, leicht und schnell,
doch trägt's Gewicht, wird's aktuell.
Die Verbindlichkeit, ein starkes Band,
reicht über Meere, Wüstensand.

Sie fordert Treue, festen Stand,
im Business und im Freundesland.
Wo sie regiert, da wächst Vertrau'n,
auf dieses Gut lässt sich fest bau'n.

---

(A word, spoken, light and fast,
But carries weight, its die is cast.
Commitment/Obligation, a strong tie,
Reaches 'cross oceans, deserts dry.

It demands loyalty, a firm stand,
In business and in friendship's land.
Where it resides, trust starts to bloom,
On this firm ground, there is no room
For doubt...)

🧩 Riddle Time

Ich bin kein Vertrag, doch schaffe Pflicht.
Ich bin kein Mensch, doch hab' Gewicht.
Im Plural bin ich oft nur Geld,
das man als Schuldner nicht behält.
Man schätzt mich sehr bei Wort und Tat,
wer mich nicht hält, verrät Verrat.

Was bin ich?

Lösung: die Verbindlichkeit

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(I'm not a contract, yet create a duty.
I'm not a person, yet I carry weight.
In plural form, I'm often money,
That debtors don't get to keep.
I'm highly valued in word and deed,
Who doesn't keep me, commits betrayal indeed.

What am I?

Solution: die Verbindlichkeit (obligation/commitment/liability))

🤓 Trivia / Word Formation

Word Breakdown:

Verbindlichkeit is composed of:

• verbind- (stem of the verb verbinden - to connect, bind)
• -lich (adjective suffix, meaning 'like', 'capable of') -> verbindlich (adjective: binding, reliable)
• -keit (noun suffix, forms feminine abstract nouns from adjectives) -> Verbindlichkeit (noun)

So, it literally describes the state or quality of being verbindlich (binding/reliable).