Verantwortlichem

Verantwortlichem is the dative singular inflected form of the German adjective verantwortlich, meaning responsible or accountable. It is used before a masculine or neuter noun in the dative case, often in prepositional phrases or with certain verbs that govern the dative.

In practical use, you typically encounter it in phrases like mit verantwortlichem Handeln, where Handeln is neuter and the adjective takes the -em ending to reflect the dative singular without an article. The form signals that the noun or noun phrase is being described as carrying responsibility or accountability in a dative relationship.

Grammatical notes: verantwortlich is an attributive adjective and follows standard German declension patterns. The ending -em shown by verantwortlichem corresponds to the dative singular in a strong or mixed inflection context. Other forms of the adjective include verantwortlicher (nominative masculine or genitive feminine in various constructions), verantwortliches (nominative/accusative neuter), and verantwortliche (nominative feminine and plural in many contexts). The exact ending depends on gender, number, article presence, and case.

Etymology and related terms: Verantwortung (responsibility) is the related noun from which the adjective is derived, with the prefix ver- and the suffix -lich forming an adjective meaning capable of or characterized by. The concept is closely linked to accountability and duty in organizational, legal, and social contexts.

See also: Verantwortung, Verantwortlichkeit, Verantwortungsbewusstsein.