die Seltenheit
Translation
rarity, scarcity, infrequency
Examples
Die Seltenheit dieser Münze macht sie wertvoll.
The rarity of this coin makes it valuable.
Ein persönlicher Brief ist heute eine Seltenheit.
A personal letter is a rarity today.
Grammar Patterns
the rarity of ((sth.gen)) the rarity of sth. The rarity of this species is a problem.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Rarität (rarity item), Knappheit (scarcity); Antonyms: Häufigkeit (frequency), Alltäglichkeit (commonness)
Etymology
From the adjective 'selten' (rare) + the noun-forming suffix '-heit', which is similar to '-ness' or '-hood' in English.
Memory Tips
Think of it as 'selten-hood' or 'rare-ness'. The '-heit' suffix turns adjectives into abstract nouns.