German word

Notwendigkeit

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈnoːtˌvɛndɪçkaɪ̯t/

Meaning

  • feminine nounnecessity

Example

Ich sehe die Notwendigkeit, jetzt zu handeln.

I recognize the necessity of acting now.

Illustration for Notwendigkeit (necessity)

More examples

Die Studie weist auf die Notwendigkeit schneller Maßnahmen hin.

The study points out the necessity of swift measures.

Core concept

A pressure or condition that leaves no reasonable alternative to doing, having, or considering something.

Common phrases

  • auf die Notwendigkeit hinweisen

    point out the necessity

  • die Notwendigkeit betonen

    emphasize the necessity

  • eine dringende Notwendigkeit

    an urgent necessity

Similar words

Erfordernis: A concrete condition that must be fulfilled to achieve something.
Dringlichkeit: The pressing need for a prompt response or action.
Bedarf: A need for particular goods or a specific quantity.
Zwang: Compulsion to act because of outside force or pressure.

Definition in German

Das Erfordernis oder die Erforderlichkeit, dass eine Sache getan, vorhanden oder berücksichtigt werden muss.

Word origin

Notwendigkeit derives from notwendig plus the noun-forming suffix -keit; notwendig developed from Middle High German nôtwendig, originally meaning what turns away need.

Usage tips

  • Notwendigkeit is feminine, so the definite article is die, and the common pattern is die Notwendigkeit, etwas zu tun with a zu-infinitive.

Other meanings

  • inevitabilitynoun
  • neednoun

Opposites

  • Überflüssigkeitsuperfluitynoun

Related words

Word lists with this word