01
notwendig
necessary
Absolutely required or indispensable for a particular purpose.
example
Für diese Reparatur sind spezielle Werkzeuge notwendig.
Special tools are necessary for this repair.
notwendig
necessary
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of 'Not' (need/distress) and the old verb 'wenden' (in the sense of 'to avert'). Something is 'notwendig' (necessary) when it is needed to avert an emergency or achieve a goal.
EXAMPLE
Ein Visum ist notwendig, um in dieses Land zu reisen.
A visa is necessary to travel to this country.
Typical sentence patterns
'Notwendig' (necessary) is very often used in sentences with 'es ist ...' (it is ...). This is frequently followed either by an infinitive clause with 'zu' (to) or by a subordinate clause with 'dass' (that).
EXAMPLE
Es ist notwendig, die Regeln zu kennen.
It is necessary to know the rules.
Typical collocations
When something is required for a purpose, 'notwendig' (necessary) is often combined with nouns such as 'Maßnahmen' (measures), 'Schritte' (steps), 'Informationen' (information), or 'Unterlagen' (documents).
EXAMPLE
Bitte bringen Sie alle notwendigen Unterlagen zum Termin mit.
Please bring all the necessary documents to the appointment.
Compare with
notwendig vs wichtig
important
'wichtig' and 'notwendig' can appear in similar situations, but they do not mean the same thing. 'wichtig' means that something has great importance. 'notwendig' means that something is absolutely needed or cannot be avoided. Learners confuse the words because something necessary is often also important. But not everything important is necessary. Good preparation can be important, but a valid passport can be necessary for a trip.
notwendig
Vor der Reise ist ein gültiger Ausweis notwendig.
Before the trip, a valid ID is necessary.
wichtig
Bei der Bewerbung ist ein freundliches Anschreiben wichtig.
In a job application, a friendly cover letter is important.
In real life
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