das Bedürfnis
Translation
need, requirement, desire
Examples
Jeder Mensch hat Grundbedürfnisse.
Every human has basic needs.
Er hat das Bedürfnis nach Ruhe.
He has the need for peace and quiet.
Sie äußerte das Bedürfnis, allein zu sein.
She expressed the need to be alone.
Grammar Patterns
the need for sth. ((nach+3)) the need for sth. The need for security is great.
to have the need to do sth. ((, zu+inf)) to have the need to do sth. I have the need to talk to you.
Similar Words
Synonyms: der Bedarf (demand), die Notwendigkeit (necessity); Antonyms: der Überfluss (surplus)
Etymology
From the verb 'bedürfen' (to need, require), with the suffix '-nis' which forms a neuter noun.
Memory Tips
Think of 'dürfen' (to be allowed). You 'need' to be allowed to have something. This need is your 'Bedürfnis'.