das Bedürfnis
Translation
need, requirement, desire
Examples
Schlaf ist ein menschliches Bedürfnis.
Sleep is a human need.
Er hat das Bedürfnis, allein zu sein.
He has the need to be alone.
Grammar Patterns
the need ((for sth.)) the need for something I have a need for peace and quiet.
to have the need ((to do sth.)) to have the need to do something She has the need to sleep.
Similar Words
Synonyms: der Bedarf (demand/need), die Notwendigkeit (necessity), das Verlangen (desire)
Etymology
Composed of the prefix 'be-', the verb 'dürfen' (to need/be allowed), and the noun-forming suffix '-nis'.
Memory Tips
Think of what you 'dürfen' (are allowed, or in an older sense, need) to have. The 'be-' prefix often relates to an object or intensifies the meaning.