Erforderten

Erforderten is the Präteritum (simple past) form of the German verb erfordern when the subject is plural. It corresponds to “they required” or “they necessitated.” Because it is a conjugated verb form, erforderten is not used as a noun and is usually found in written or formal narrative contexts.

The verb erfordern means to require, necessitate, or demand something as a condition or consequence. It is formed with the prefix er- added to the verb fordern (to demand or require) and is transitive, taking a direct object that describes what is required. The simple past plural form erforderten appears with plural subjects, while the singular past form is erforderte. The past participle is erfordert, and the perfect tense is built with haben, for example: Die Lage hat eine gründliche Analyse erfordert.

Usage notes and examples: In everyday formal writing, erfordern often introduces the idea that a situation or action demands certain resources or measures. Examples in the plural past: Die Maßnahmen erforderten umfangreiche Ressourcen. Die Umstände erforderten eine Anpassung der Pläne. These constructions show how erfordern links a subject to its necessary consequences or prerequisites. In many contexts, synonyms include benötigen, verlangen, or voraussetzen, but erfordern emphasizes an obligation or necessity arising from the situation rather than a mere desire.

See also: erfordern, Forderung, Bedarf.