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zwingend
mandatory
Absolutely necessary, obligatory, or unavoidable.
example
Für diese Position ist ein Hochschulabschluss zwingend erforderlich.
For this position, a university degree is mandatory.
zwingend
mandatory / compelling
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'zwingend' (mandatory/compelling) is derived from the verb 'zwingen' (to force, to compel). It describes something that has such strong logical or necessary 'force' that you cannot ignore it.
EXAMPLE
Aus familiären Gründen musste er die Reise zwingend absagen.
For family reasons, he absolutely had to cancel the trip.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'notwendig' (necessary), 'zwingend' (mandatory) is often combined emphatically with other adjectives. Common phrases are 'zwingend erforderlich' (mandatory/absolutely required), 'zwingend notwendig' (absolutely necessary), or 'zwingend vorgeschrieben' (strictly required by law/rules).
EXAMPLE
Eine Anmeldung für den Kurs ist zwingend erforderlich.
Registration for the course is mandatory.
Typical collocations
When it comes to logic, 'zwingend' (compelling) often appears with nouns related to argumentation. Typical examples are 'ein zwingender Grund' (a compelling reason), 'ein zwingendes Argument' (a compelling argument), or 'ein zwingender Beweis' (compelling proof).
EXAMPLE
Das ist kein zwingendes Argument für eine Gesetzesänderung.
That is not a compelling argument for a change in the law.
Compare with
zwingend vs unbedingt
definitely / unconditional
'unbedingt' and 'zwingend' can both express that something is very important or necessary. 'unbedingt' is an adverb and often appears with a verb: something should definitely happen. 'zwingend' is an adjective and more often describes a rule, a reason, or a requirement that leaves no choice. Learners may confuse the words because both sound strong. In practice: for a request or instruction, 'unbedingt' often fits; for an obligation, rule, or necessity, 'zwingend' often fits.
zwingend
Vor der Reise ist eine Kontrolle der Heizung nicht zwingend, aber sinnvoll.
Before the trip, checking the heating is not mandatory, but it makes sense.
unbedingt
Du musst nach dem Unterricht unbedingt bei deinen Eltern anrufen.
After class, you absolutely have to call your parents.
In real life
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