verb
to obligate, to commit (someone to)
B1
Verpflichten: to obligate or to commit (someone to) legal or moral duty. Common pattern: jemanden verpflichten zu etwas / jemanden verpflichten, etwas zu tun. Uses auxiliary haben; regular weak verb with participle verpflichtet. Non‑reflexive; passive constructions (werden verpflichtet) are common in formal contexts.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.EXAMPLES
Ich habe mich dazu verpflichtet.
I have committed myself to it.
Die Schule verpflichtet die Eltern, an einem Informationsabend teilzunehmen.
The school requires the parents to attend an information evening.
Der Vertrag verpflichtet den Mieter, die Nebenkosten zu zahlen.
The contract obligates the tenant to pay the additional costs.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.DETAILS_LABEL
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.MNEMONICS
Imagine signing a contract that chains your wrist to a promise (a chain = Verpflichtung)
think 'for-plead' (for-PLIGHT-en) to remember obligation
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.NOTES
Often used in legal or formal contexts (contracts, obligations). Transitive: you usually verpflichten someone to something.