rarity
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rarity
An object or thing that occurs very rarely and is therefore often considered especially valuable, interesting, or desirable.
Diese Briefmarke aus dem 19. Jahrhundert ist eine echte Rarität für Sammler.
This 19th-century stamp is a true rarity for collectors.
rarity
The quality or state of being rare. This meaning describes the abstract concept of rarity.
Die Rarität dieser Orchideenart macht ihren Schutz besonders wichtig.
The rarity of this orchid species makes its protection especially important.
'Die Rarität' (rarity) is the noun corresponding to the adjective 'rar' (rare). The ending '-ität' (-ity) is often used in German to form nouns from adjectives that describe a quality.
Es ist sehr rar, einen solchen Schmetterling in dieser Region zu finden.
It is very rare to find such a butterfly in this region.
The word 'Rarität' (rarity) belongs to a more elevated or formal register. You often find it in texts about art, collectibles, nature, or science.
Das Museum stellt einige botanische Raritäten aus der ganzen Welt aus.
The museum displays several botanical rarities from around the world.
When 'Rarität' (rarity) refers to a rare object, it is often combined with adjectives like 'echt' (real/true), 'absolut' (absolute), or 'begehrt' (sought-after). A very common phrase is 'eine Rarität für Sammler' (a rarity for collectors).
Dieses handgefertigte Auto aus den 1930er Jahren ist heute eine absolute Rarität.
This handmade car from the 1930s is an absolute rarity today.
The two meanings can be distinguished grammatically. If the word appears with an indefinite article ('eine Rarität') or in the plural ('Raritäten'), it refers to a rare object. If it is uncountable ('die Rarität von etwas'), it refers to the quality of rarity itself.
Auf dem Flohmarkt habe ich eine echte Rarität entdeckt.
I discovered a true rarity at the flea market.
rarity
Seltenheit here mainly refers to the state or degree of occurring rarely. A Rarität is usually the rare thing itself, which is therefore often considered especially valuable or interesting. Seltenheit is therefore appropriate for a quality, while Rarität is more appropriate for a specific rare item.
Diese alte Münze ist für Sammler eine besondere Rarität.
This old coin is a special rarity for collectors.
Die Seltenheit dieser alten Münze macht sie für Sammler interessant.
The rarity of this old coin makes it interesting to collectors.
