01
von Belang sein
to be relevant
To be important, relevant, or of significance.
example
Deine Meinung ist für diese Entscheidung nicht von Belang.
Your opinion is not relevant to this decision.
der Belang
concern / relevance
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Register and style
The word 'Belang' (concern/relevance) belongs to formal language. It is mainly used in written, official, or administrative contexts.
EXAMPLE
In dieser Angelegenheit sind rechtliche Belange zu berücksichtigen.
Legal concerns must be taken into account in this matter.
Fixed expression
In the meaning of 'Wichtigkeit' (importance), the word is used almost exclusively in the fixed expression 'von Belang sein' (to be relevant/of importance). It then functions like the adjective 'wichtig' (important).
EXAMPLE
Diese Information ist für unsere Planung von großem Belang.
This information is of great importance for our planning.
Use in the plural
In the meaning of 'Anliegen' (concerns) or 'Interessen' (interests), the plural 'die Belange' (the concerns/interests) is almost always used. It is often preceded by whose interests are meant, e.g. with the genitive or 'von'.
EXAMPLE
Die neue Chefin will sich zuerst um die Belange der Mitarbeiter kümmern.
The new boss first wants to take care of the employees' concerns.
Compare with
Belang vs wichtig
important
'wichtig' and 'von Belang' both describe that something has significance for a matter. 'wichtig' is the normal everyday word and fits almost any time something matters or needs to be paid attention to. 'von Belang' sounds more formal and is often used in discussions about decisions, rules, or precise information. You would more often say 'Das ist wichtig' (That is important), but in a report or during an assessment, 'Das ist von Belang' (That is relevant) sounds more natural.
Belang
Für die Entscheidung ist diese Information von Belang.
This information is relevant to the decision.
wichtig
Am Morgen ist die kurze Besprechung für das Team wichtig.
In the morning, the brief meeting is important for the team.
In real life
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