German word

notwendig

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈnoːtvɛndɪç/

Meaning

  • adjectivenecessary

Example

Ich habe ein notwendiges Dokument.

I have a necessary document.

Illustration for notwendig (necessary)

More examples

Für die Reise ist ein Pass notwendig.

A passport is necessary for the trip.

Core concept

A required part of a plan or process, without which the intended result cannot be reached or maintained.

Common phrases

  • notwendig sein

    be necessary

Similar words

nötig: Required for a task or situation to work as intended.
dringend: So urgent that prompt action is needed to avoid trouble.

Definition in German

Ein Adjektiv für etwas, das gebraucht wird, damit ein bestimmtes Ziel erreicht oder ein Zustand erhalten bleibt

Word origin

Notwendig is an old German formation from Not, meaning need or distress, and -wendig, historically related to wenden, meaning to turn or direct.

Usage tips

  • In everyday speech, nötig is often more common, while notwendig is frequent in formal, official, or emphatic wording.

Other meanings

  • indispensableadjective

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word