Dictionary
duty
German → American English
American English
duty
Verpflichtung oder Aufgabe, die man erfüllen muss; je nach Kontext auch Dienst oder Zollabgabe.
His duty is to help the team. — Seine Pflicht ist es, dem Team zu helfen.Use „Pflicht“ for moral or official obligations, and „Dienst“ for work shifts or military/service duty. „Duty“ in German is not a direct word; the closest common translation depends on context.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the German word for “duty”?
The most common German translations are „Pflicht“, „Aufgabe“, or „Verpflichtung“, depending on context.
When should I use „Pflicht“ instead of „Aufgabe“?
Use „Pflicht“ for an obligation or something you are required to do. Use „Aufgabe“ more for a task or assignment.
Does “duty” always mean „Pflicht“ in German?
No. In some contexts it can also mean „Dienst“, „Aufgabe“, or „Zoll“.