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
notwendig
inevitable
Resulting inevitably or unavoidably from certain circumstances.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Skandal war der Rücktritt des Ministers die notwendige Konsequenz.
After the scandal, the minister's resignation was the inevitable consequence.
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
nötigwesentlicherforderlichzwingendzwangsläufigunerlässlichunabdingbaressentiellgebotenalternativlosvonnötenunentbehrlich
notwendig vs nötig
necessary
Both words say that something is needed for a purpose. „Nötig“ is the more usual, often somewhat more casual choice in everyday life; „notwendig“ sounds more matter-of-fact and tends to emphasize that something is absolutely needed. In many sentences, both words are possible, but the tone may change.
notwendig
Für den kurzen Weg ist keine besondere Vorbereitung notwendig.
No special preparation is necessary for the short journey.
nötig
Für den kurzen Weg ist keine besondere Vorbereitung nötig.
No special preparation is needed for the short journey.
In real life
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