VocabuoDictionaryGet the app
adjectiveadverb

nötig

necessary

Etwas, das man braucht, um ein Ziel zu erreichen oder eine Aufgabe zu erfüllen.

Definition & meaning

The German adjective nötig translates to "necessary," "needed," or "required." It describes something that is essential to achieve a specific goal, to satisfy a requirement, or to perform a task.

It can be used in two primary ways:

  1. Expressing necessity: Something is essential or indispensable. (e.g., "Das ist nötig" - That is necessary.)
  2. Expressing a requirement for an action: Often used with "haben" (to have) to mean "to need." (e.g., "Ich habe das nötig" - I need that.)

Grammar & Word origin

nötig is an adjective that is typically used with the verb sein (to be) or haben (to have). When used as a predicate, it does not change its form. When used as an attribute before a noun, it follows standard German declension rules (e.g., "die nötige Zeit" - the necessary time).

It originates from the Middle High German word nōtec and is etymologically related to the word Not (distress, hardship, need). It implies that without the thing in question, one would be in a state of "Not."

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

  • erforderlich (required)
  • notwendig (essential/necessary)
  • unentbehrlich (indispensable)
  • vonnöten (required - usually used with "sein")

Antonyms:

  • unnötig (unnecessary)
  • überflüssig (superfluous)
  • entbehrlich (dispensable)

Make “nötig” part of your vocabulary.

Build your German vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.

Get Vocabuo on the App StoreGet Vocabuo for Android

Examples

Eine Reparatur wird nötig sein.adjective

A repair will be necessary.

Für die Prüfung sind ruhige Bedingungen nötig.adjective

For the exam, quiet conditions are necessary.

Ein nötiges Werkzeug liegt auf dem Tisch.adjective

A necessary tool lies on the table.

Ein Werkzeug ist nötig, um das Fahrrad zu reparieren.adjective

A tool is necessary to repair the bicycle.

Für diese Aufgabe sind gute Kenntnisse nötig.adjective

Good knowledge is necessary for this task.

Die Reparatur war wirklich nötig.adjective

The repair was really necessary.

Hast du die nötige Zeit für dieses Projekt?adjective

Do you have the necessary time for this project?

Ist es wirklich nötig, so früh aufzustehen?adjective

Is it really necessary to get up so early?

Keep exploring German

Learn words from the content you love.

Add words from websites, books and videos, then remember them with spaced repetition (SRS).

Download on theApp StoreGET IT ONGoogle Play