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
Notwendig and unentbehrlich can both describe something that is needed for a particular purpose. Notwendig is more neutral, whereas unentbehrlich emphasizes more strongly that one cannot do without the thing. Use „notwendig“ for a required prerequisite and „unentbehrlich“ when its absence would make the purpose impossible.
Für die tägliche Arbeit im Garten ist meine robuste Schubkarre unentbehrlich.
My sturdy wheelbarrow is indispensable for my daily work in the garden.
Für die Reparatur ist ein passendes Werkzeug notwendig.
A suitable tool is necessary for the repair.
