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nötig

necessary

adjective NUR-tikh Less Common
Descriptions & Qualities Quality

Origin: from 'Not' (need, distress)

Usage Note

nötig typically pairs with haben or sein: Das ist nicht nötig ('that isn't necessary'). Note the idiom etwas nötig haben — 'to need something', often with a faintly disapproving edge, as in Das hast du nötig! ('You're one to talk!').

Examples

"Ist das wirklich nötig?"

Natural Translation

Is that really necessary?

Literal Translation

Is that really necessary?

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