German word

benötigen

Pronunciation

IPA/bəˈnøːtɪgən/

Meaning

  • verbneed

Example

Wir benötigen mehr Zeit.

We need more time.

Illustration for benötigen (need)

More examples

Ich benötige einen Arzt.

I need a doctor.

Core concept

A person gathers the tools and time required to complete a task.

Common phrases

  • benötigen einen Arzt

    need a doctor

  • benötigen Medikamente

    need medicines

Similar words

brauchen: A common conversational expression for having a need for something.
müssen: Circumstances require an action that cannot reasonably be avoided.

Definition in German

für einen bestimmten Zweck etwas brauchen, weil es ohne das nicht auskommt

Word origin

Benötigen is formed with the prefix be- from nötigen and is related to nötig, a word from the Germanic root for need.

Usage tips

  • Benötigen is more formal than brauchen and is common in written, official, and technical German.

Opposites

Related words

  • benötigtrequiredadjective

Word lists with this word