Signification
To accept accountability for actions or duties.
Contexte culturel
In German business culture, taking responsibility is linked to 'Haftung' (liability). It is not just a moral stance but a professional requirement. Taking responsibility ('Sekinin') often involves a public apology ('Ojigi') to restore harmony ('Wa') in the group. In the US, 'taking ownership' is a common corporate buzzword that is almost identical to 'Verantwortung übernehmen'. Swiss culture emphasizes 'Eigenverantwortung' (personal responsibility), especially in political and social life.
Job Interview Gold
Use this phrase in interviews to sound proactive. Instead of saying 'I did X', say 'Ich habe die Verantwortung für X übernommen'.
Inseparable Verb
Never split 'übernehmen'. It's not 'Ich nehme über'. This is a very common B1 exam mistake.
Signification
To accept accountability for actions or duties.
Job Interview Gold
Use this phrase in interviews to sound proactive. Instead of saying 'I did X', say 'Ich habe die Verantwortung für X übernommen'.
Inseparable Verb
Never split 'übernehmen'. It's not 'Ich nehme über'. This is a very common B1 exam mistake.
The 'Du' Factor
If you are telling someone to take responsibility ('Du musst Verantwortung übernehmen'), it can sound very confrontational. Use it carefully.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'übernehmen'.
Gestern ________ der Chef die Verantwortung für den Fehler.
The sentence uses 'Gestern' (yesterday), so the Präteritum 'übernahm' is the most appropriate for a narrative statement.
Which preposition is correct?
Ich übernehme die Verantwortung ____ das Projekt.
The fixed collocation is 'Verantwortung übernehmen für' + Akkusativ.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Wer kümmert sich um die neuen Praktikanten? B: Keine Sorge, ich ________ die Verantwortung.
In the context of starting a new task, 'übernehme' is the natural choice.
Match the sentence to the situation.
'Ich übernehme die Verantwortung für meine Verspätung.'
The sentence is an admission of fault regarding being late.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Übernehmen vs. Tragen
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesGestern ________ der Chef die Verantwortung für den Fehler.
The sentence uses 'Gestern' (yesterday), so the Präteritum 'übernahm' is the most appropriate for a narrative statement.
Ich übernehme die Verantwortung ____ das Projekt.
The fixed collocation is 'Verantwortung übernehmen für' + Akkusativ.
A: Wer kümmert sich um die neuen Praktikanten? B: Keine Sorge, ich ________ die Verantwortung.
In the context of starting a new task, 'übernehme' is the natural choice.
'Ich übernehme die Verantwortung für meine Verspätung.'
The sentence is an admission of fault regarding being late.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsUsually 'die' because you are taking 'the' responsibility for a specific thing. 'Eine' is used when talking about responsibility in general.
No, 'Verantwortung nehmen' is not a standard German collocation. It must be 'übernehmen'.
'Pflicht' is a duty you must do. 'Verantwortung' is the accountability for the outcome of that duty.
Rarely. In a text to a friend, you'd say 'Ich mach das' or 'Mein Fehler'.
You can say 'Ich möchte die Verantwortung nicht übernehmen' or 'Ich lehne die Verantwortung ab'.
No! It often means taking on a positive new challenge or leadership role.
Always the Accusative (Akkusativ).
Yes, companies often use this in their PR to talk about social or environmental goals.
Yes. Übernehmen - übernahm - hat übernommen.
You say 'Wer ist hier verantwortlich?' or 'Wer trägt hier die Verantwortung?'.
Yes, 'Kinder müssen lernen, Verantwortung zu übernehmen' is a very common sentence.
Not really, but 'verantwortlich sein' is a simpler state-based alternative.
It means taking responsibility for your own life and choices without relying on others.
Yes, though 'Haftung' is more common for financial/legal liability.
Expressions liées
Verantwortung tragen
similarTo be responsible (ongoing state)
jemanden zur Verantwortung ziehen
builds onTo hold someone accountable
die Schuld auf sich nehmen
similarTo take the blame
verantwortungsbewusst
specialized formResponsible (adjective)
Eigenverantwortung
specialized formPersonal responsibility
