die Not
Translation
need, hardship, distress, emergency
Examples
In der Not hilft ein Freund.
A friend in need is a friend indeed.
Er handelte aus reiner Not.
He acted out of pure necessity.
Zur Not können wir zu Fuß gehen.
If necessary, we can go on foot.
Grammar Patterns
in Not sein to be in need/distress Many people are in need.
aus Not ((sth.)) tun to do (sth.) out of necessity He stole the bread out of pure necessity.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Elend (misery), Mangel (lack); Antonyms: Wohlstand (prosperity), Überfluss (abundance)
Etymology
From Old High German 'nōt', related to the English word 'need'.
Memory Tips
Sounds like the English word 'note'. Imagine writing a 'note' for help in a time of 'need' or 'distress'.