das Wesentliche
Translation
the essential part, the main point, the substance, the gist
Examples
Beschränken wir uns auf das Wesentliche.
Let's limit ourselves to the essentials.
Im Wesentlichen ist der Plan gut.
Essentially, the plan is good.
Grammar Patterns
to limit oneself to sth. sich auf et4 beschränken Let's limit ourselves to the essentials.
in essence / essentially im Wesentlichen Essentially, he is right.
Similar Words
Synonyms: die Hauptsache (the main thing), der Kern (the core)
Etymology
It's the noun form of the adjective 'wesentlich' (essential), derived from 'Wesen' (essence, being).
Memory Tips
The root is 'Wesen', meaning 'essence'. Think of getting to the 'essence' of an issue.