dispensable
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dispensable
Not necessary or something one can do without. Something is dispensable when one can manage perfectly well without it.
Angesichts der knappen Zeit sind lange Diskussionen über Nebensächlichkeiten entbehrlich.
Given the limited time, long discussions about minor details are dispensable.
The adjective 'entbehrlich' (dispensable) is derived from the verb 'entbehren' (to do without something or to lack something). The prefix 'ent-' often expresses removal. Something 'Entbehrliches' (dispensable) can therefore be 'removed' without being missed.
In der Notlage mussten sie auf alles entbehrliche Gepäck verzichten.
In the emergency situation, they had to do without all dispensable luggage.
'Entbehrlich' (dispensable) is a word used in more formal language and often appears in written texts, reports, or evaluations. It sounds more objective and detached.
Die Studie kam zu dem Schluss, dass dieser Arbeitsschritt entbehrlich ist.
The study concluded that this work step is dispensable.
A fixed expression is 'sich entbehrlich machen' (to make oneself dispensable). This means that a person behaves or works in such a way that they are no longer needed and can easily be replaced.
Wer sein Wissen nicht teilt, macht sich im Team schnell entbehrlich.
Anyone who does not share their knowledge quickly makes themselves dispensable in a team.
unnecessary / superfluous
Überflüssig and entbehrlich can both describe something that one can do without. Überflüssig sounds more like something additional that is not needed, while entbehrlich more neutrally emphasizes the possibility of managing without something. Choose entbehrlich when this practical possibility is the main focus.
Für den kurzen Weg ist das Auto entbehrlich, weil wir gut ohne es auskommen.
The car is dispensable for the short trip because we can manage perfectly well without it.
Für den kurzen Weg ist das Auto überflüssig, weil wir zu Fuß gehen können.
The car is unnecessary for the short trip because we can walk.
