verbindliche

Verbindliche is a German adjective meaning binding, obligatory, or enforceable. It is used to describe statements, commitments, or offers that have a binding force or must be respected. In legal and business contexts, verbiage such as ver- resources, it signals a stronger commitment than non-binding terms.

The related noun Verbindlichkeit refers to the quality of being binding or obligatory, including the legal and moral obligation behind a promise or contract. The opposite term is unverbindlich, meaning non-binding or non-committal. Common collocations include verbindliche Zusage (binding commitment), verbindliches Angebot (binding offer), and verbindliche Angabe (binding information).

Grammar and usage notes: Verbindliche is the attributive form of the adjective verbindlich. German adjectives decline according to gender, number, and article. In feminine singular positions, or after indefinite articles, the form verbindliche is typical (for example, eine verbindliche Zusage, die verbindliche Aussage). In masculine or neuter singular with a definite article, you would encounter der verbindliche Vertrag or das verbindliche Angebot. In plural, the form becomes verbindliche or verbindlichen depending on case and article.

Examples:

- Die Firma bestätigt eine verbindliche Zusage. (The company confirms a binding commitment.)

- Bitte beachten Sie, dass dieses Angebot verbindlich ist. (Please note that this offer is binding.)

- Die Angaben sind verbindlich. (The information is binding.)

Origin and scope: Verbindlich derives from the verb verbinden (to bind, connect) with the suffix -lich to form an adjective describing a binding nature. The term is widely used in contract law, procurement, administration, and formal communications in German-speaking regions.