indispensable
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indispensable
Absolutely necessary and essential; so important that one cannot do without it.
Für viele Menschen ist das Smartphone im Alltag unentbehrlich geworden.
For many people, the smartphone has become indispensable in everyday life.
The word is logically built: 'un-' (not) + 'entbehren' (to do without something) + '-lich' (adjective ending). Something that is 'unentbehrlich' (indispensable) is therefore something one cannot do without.
Ein gutes Wörterbuch ist für Sprachlerner unentbehrlich.
A good dictionary is indispensable for language learners.
To express for whom or what something is necessary, the preposition 'für' is used with the accusative. This structure is very common.
Gute Kommunikation ist für den Erfolg eines Teams unentbehrlich.
Good communication is indispensable for the success of a team.
Common phrases are 'unentbehrlich werden' (to become indispensable), which describes a process, and 'sich unentbehrlich machen' (to make oneself indispensable), which means that someone actively tries to be essential.
Durch sein Fachwissen hat er sich für die Firma unentbehrlich gemacht.
Through his expertise, he has made himself indispensable to the company.
necessary
'nötig' and 'unentbehrlich' both say that something is important or necessary. 'nötig' is more general and can also fit simple conditions: 'Für einen Termin ist ein Ausweis nötig' (An ID is necessary for an appointment). 'unentbehrlich' is stronger. It means that one cannot do without something or someone. Learners may confuse the words because both express necessity. The difference is in the strength: 'nötig' means required, while 'unentbehrlich' means truly indispensable.
Erik ist im Team unentbehrlich, weil er die ganze Technik sehr gut kennt.
Erik is indispensable on the team because he knows all the technology very well.
Für die Anmeldung im Kurs ist eine Unterschrift der Eltern nötig.
A parent's signature is necessary for registration in the course.