ábyrgðin

ábyrgðin is the definite form of the Icelandic noun ábyrgð, meaning responsibility, accountability, or liability. It is used in ethical, legal, and everyday contexts to denote an obligation to act correctly or to answer for one’s actions. The term can refer to personal guilt, to the duties of a person, or to the obligations of an institution or group.

Etymology and grammar: The word comes from the base ábyrgð (burden, obligation) with the definite suffix -in to form ábyrgðin. The noun is feminine. Core forms include indefinite singular ábyrgð, definite singular ábyrgðin, indefinite plural ábyrgðir, and definite plural ábyrgðarnar. In usage, the definite form is often employed when referring to a specific, previously mentioned responsibility.

Usage and phrases: Common constructions include ber ábyrgð á (to bear responsibility for), hafa ábyrgð (to have responsibility), and taka á sig ábyrgð (to take on responsibility). Example sentences: Hún ber ábyrgð á atvikinu. Fyrirtækið ber ábyrgð á öryggi starfsmanna. Ríkisvaldið tekur á sig ábyrgð á nýjum reglum. The term also covers legal liability, such as civil or criminal accountability, and moral or social responsibility in broader discourse.

In law and society: ábyrgðin is frequently used to discuss accountability for damages, safety obligations, or governance. It appears in policy discussions, court rulings, and news reporting to delineate who is answerable for a particular act or outcome.

Metaphorical use: Responsibility as a collective concept is common in discussions of social responsibility, corporate accountability, and future commitments.