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
der Belang
concern / interest
A matter or concern that affects a person or group. Often used in the plural to describe interests or needs.
EXAMPLE
Der Betriebsrat kümmert sich um die Belange der Arbeitnehmer.
The works council takes care of the employees' concerns.
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 Interesse
interest
The plural forms “Interessen” and “Belange” can both be taken into account in decisions. Interessen emphasize the goals or benefits someone is pursuing; Belange more generally encompass matters and needs that concern a person or group. Interessen is more suitable for a specific goal, while Belange is more suitable for the concerns affected.
Belang
Bei derselben Planung berücksichtigt die Stadt die Belange der Anwohner, etwa sichere Wege und ruhige Nächte.
As part of the same planning process, the city takes the residents’ concerns into account, including safe paths and quiet nights.
Interesse
Bei der Planung vertreten die Anwohner ihr Interesse an einer ruhigeren Straße.
During the planning process, the residents advocate for their interest in a quieter street.
In real life
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