der Bedarf
need / demand
The necessity or requirement for something; the amount of something that is needed.
EXAMPLE
In der Region besteht ein großer Bedarf an Ärzten.
There is a great need for doctors in the region.
der Bedarf
need
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Meanings
bei Bedarf
as needed
An expression meaning 'when necessary' or 'if required'.
EXAMPLE
Sie können diese Schmerztablette bei Bedarf einnehmen, aber nicht mehr als dreimal am Tag.
You can take this painkiller as needed, but no more than three times a day.
Usage tips
Word family
'Der Bedarf' (need) belongs to a word family around the topic of 'brauchen' (to need). Related words are the formal verb 'bedürfen' (to require/need something) and the adjective 'bedürftig' (poor, dependent on help).
EXAMPLE
Dieses Projekt bedarf einer sorgfältigen Planung.
This project requires careful planning.
Preposition and case
When you want to express what there is a need for, you use the preposition 'an' followed by the dative. A very common formulation is 'Bedarf an etwas haben' (to have a need for something) or 'es besteht Bedarf an etwas' (there is a need for something).
EXAMPLE
Die Firma hat großen Bedarf an qualifizierten Mitarbeitern.
The company has a great need for qualified employees.
Typical verbs
'Bedarf' (need) is often combined with certain verbs to express how one deals with a necessity. Typical phrases are 'Bedarf haben' (to have a need), 'den Bedarf decken' (to meet/cover the need), and 'den Bedarf ermitteln' (to determine the need).
EXAMPLE
Mit den neuen Lieferungen können wir den Bedarf für die nächste Woche decken.
With the new deliveries, we can meet the need for the next week.
Fixed expression
The expression 'bei Bedarf' (as needed) is a fixed phrase and means 'when necessary' or 'if required'. You often find it in instructions, recipes, or on medicine packaging.
EXAMPLE
Fügen Sie bei Bedarf noch etwas Salz hinzu.
Add a little more salt as needed.
Compare with
Bedarf vs Nachfrage
demand / inquiry
Bedarf describes the amount of a product or service that is needed. Nachfrage, on the other hand, shows how much buyers want to purchase at a certain price. When talking about the necessary amount, „Bedarf“ is appropriate; for interest in buying something in the market, „Nachfrage“ is usually more appropriate.
Bedarf
Die Stadt prüft den Bedarf an günstigen Wohnungen in diesem Viertel.
The city is assessing the need for affordable housing in this neighborhood.
Nachfrage
Die Nachfrage nach günstigen Wohnungen steigt, weil viele Menschen sie zu diesem Preis kaufen wollen.
Demand for affordable housing is rising because many people want to buy it at this price.
In real life
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