bedarf

Definition & meaning

The word Bedarf refers to a need, requirement, or demand for something. It signifies the quantity of goods, services, or resources that are necessary to satisfy a specific situation or deficiency.

1. General need: The amount or type of something required for a specific purpose (e.g., "The demand for skilled workers").
2. Economic sense: In market economics, it refers to the effective demand for goods or services, which is the need backed by the purchasing power to acquire them.

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar:

• Noun, masculine: der Bedarf
• Plural: die Bedarfe (though the plural is used less frequently; often substituted by compound nouns).
• Usage: Often used with the preposition "an" (e.g., Bedarf an etwas haben - to have a need for something).

Word origin: The word is derived from the Middle High German bedarf, which originates from the verb bedürfen (to need or require). It is formed from the prefix be- and the root darf (related to dürfen, which originally meant "to be in need").

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

• der Bedarf? can be replaced by die Nachfrage? (specifically in economic contexts).
• das Bedürfnis? (more related to a psychological or personal need/desire).
• der Anspruch? (in the sense of a claim or requirement).
• das Erfordernis? (a requirement or necessity).

Antonyms:

• der Überschuss? (surplus).
• das Überangebot? (oversupply).