Geschuldet

Geschuldet is a German adjective formed from the verb schulden (to owe, to be obligated) and the prefix ge-, used to indicate something that is owed, due, or attributable to a cause. It appears primarily in formal, legal, or financial language and describes obligations or causal attributions rather than moral fault.

Etymology and form: geschuldet is the past participle of schulden and functions as an adjective or attributive modifier. It is distinct from the noun Schuld (debt, guilt) and from the related adjective schuldhaft (at fault). The prefix ge- marks a past participle in German, but geschuldet is not a simple passive form; it carries the sense of "owed" or "due" in a contractual or evaluative sense.

Usage and meaning: In practice, geschuldet describes what must be paid, performed, or attributed to someone. It is common with nouns like Zahlung, Summe, Leistung (e.g., geschuldete Zahlung, geschuldete Summe, geschuldete Leistung) to indicate an obligation that exists or is owed by one party. It can also express causation, as in Schaden ist dem Sturm geschuldet (the damage is due to the storm). The term tends to appear in legal, administrative, or business contexts and is less common in everyday speech.

Examples:

- Die geschuldete Zahlung in Höhe von 1.000 Euro wurde fristgerecht beglichen.

- Der Schaden ist dem Sturm geschuldet.

- Die geschuldete Lieferung wurde trotz Verzögerung fristgerecht erbracht.

Relation to verwandte Begriffe: geschuldet is related to Schuld (debt, guilt) and Schuldigkeit (obligation) but remains distinct from moral culpability. It is often replaced by andere Ausdrücke like verpflichtet, zu leisten oder fällig, depending on context.

See also: Schulden, Schuld, Verpflichtung, Vertrag, Leistung.