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
zwingend
compelling
Describes an argument or proof that is logical, conclusive, and impossible to refute.
EXAMPLE
Die vorgelegten Beweise waren so zwingend, dass der Angeklagte verurteilt wurde.
The evidence presented was so compelling that the defendant was convicted.
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 notwendig
necessary
Notwendig and zwingend can both say that something is needed for a goal. Zwingend is stronger and leaves no other option or exception, while notwendig can also describe indispensability based on practical considerations. Use notwendig for a general prerequisite and zwingend when it is absolutely unavoidable.
zwingend
Für das Gelingen des Projekts ist eine gute Planung zwingend.
Good planning is absolutely essential for the project to succeed.
notwendig
Für das Gelingen des Projekts ist eine gute Planung notwendig.
Good planning is necessary for the project to succeed.
In real life
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