die Seltenheit
rarity
The state or quality of being rare or occurring only in small numbers.
EXAMPLE
Die Seltenheit dieser Briefmarke macht sie für Sammler extrem wertvoll.
The rarity of this stamp makes it extremely valuable to collectors.
die Seltenheit
rarity
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Meanings
die Seltenheit
rarity
Something that occurs rarely, or a person with rare qualities; a rarity.
EXAMPLE
Ein solch ehrlicher Politiker ist heutzutage eine Seltenheit.
Such an honest politician is a rarity nowadays.
Usage tips
Word structure
'Die Seltenheit' (rarity) is a noun derived from the adjective 'selten' (rare). The ending '-heit' is often used in German to form an abstract noun from an adjective that describes a quality or state.
EXAMPLE
Die Schönheit der Landschaft war atemberaubend.
The beauty of the landscape was breathtaking.
Context clue
You can easily distinguish the two meanings: when 'Seltenheit' (rarity) refers to the abstract quality, it is uncountable. When it describes a concrete rare thing or person, it is countable and can appear with an article like 'eine' (a) or in the plural.
EXAMPLE
Die Seltenheit des Materials treibt den Preis in die Höhe.
The rarity of the material drives up the price.
Sentence structure with genitive
When 'Seltenheit' (rarity) describes the abstract quality, it is often followed by a genitive or the construction 'von + dative' (of + dative) to specify what is rare.
EXAMPLE
Die Seltenheit seltener Erden ist ein globales Problem.
The rarity of rare earths is a global problem.
Compare with
Seltenheit vs Mangelware
scarce commodity
Seltenheit describes neutrally that something occurs only rarely. Mangelware, by contrast, emphasizes that something is hard to find and that its absence is perceived as a problem. Seltenheit fits a simple statement, while Mangelware is more appropriate for a noticeable shortage.
Seltenheit
Die Seltenheit geduldiger Antworten in hektischen Sitzungen ist auffällig.
The rarity of patient answers in hectic meetings is striking.
Mangelware
Geduldige Antworten sind in hektischen Sitzungen leider Mangelware.
Patient answers are unfortunately in short supply in hectic meetings.
In real life
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