noun

die Notwendigkeit, -en

necessity

Etwas muss sein oder getan werden, weil es gebraucht wird oder keine andere Wahl besteht.

The German word "Notwendigkeit" is a noun meaning "necessity" or "need".

  • It is made up of:
    • Not: meaning "emergency" or "distress"
    • Wendigkeit: related to "wenden" meaning "to turn" or "twist," symbolizing the idea of a requirement or something unavoidable.

Similar words:

  • Erfordernis (requirement)
  • Bedürfnis (need)
  • Zwänge (compulsion, constraint)

Differences:

  • Notwendigkeit expresses something essential or unavoidable.
  • Erfordernis is more formal, often a condition or prerequisite.
  • Bedürfnis expresses a want or desire, which may be optional.
  • Zwänge has a stronger connotation of coercion rather than pure necessity.

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Examples

Die Notwendigkeit einer Pause wird klar.noun

The necessity of a break becomes clear.

Notwendigkeit diktiert unser Handeln oft.noun

Necessity often dictates our actions.

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