adjective
necessary, essential
A2
"notwendig" means "necessary" or "essential". Gradable adjective with comparative notwendiger and superlative am notwendigsten. Antonym unnötig. Regular adjective (not participle). Used to express requirement or necessity; can modify actions or things. Context defines strength from "needed" to "absolutely essential", often in formal German usage.
Examples
Es war notwendig, dass die Unterlagen sofort eingereicht wurden, weil sonst die Frist verstrich.
It was necessary that the documents were submitted immediately because otherwise the deadline would pass.
Für dieses Projekt sind klare Ziele unbedingt notwendig.
Clear goals are essential for this project.
Es ist notwendig, die Anleitung zu lesen.
It's necessary to read the instructions.
Details
Mnemonics
picture a checklist with a big red star labeled 'notwendig' on required items
sounds like 'not win-dee' — imagine you 'must not win' unless it's necessary
Notes
Can be used in formal and informal contexts. As an adjective it is gradable (e.g., 'sehr notwendig').