Noodzakelijk

Noodzakelijk is a Dutch adjective meaning "necessary" or "essential." It describes something that must occur or exist due to circumstances, rules, or logic. The term is used in everyday language as well as in formal writing and technical discourse.

In logic and philosophy, noodzakelijk is used to denote a necessary condition: A must be present for B to happen. It contrasts with terms such as voldoende (sufficient) and with contingent statements. In law, policy, and professional contexts, it can describe requirements that are legally or practically unavoidable. In everyday speech, phrases like "noodzakelijke voorzieningen" (essential facilities) or "noodzakelijke uitgaven" (necessary expenditures) illustrate its practical sense.

Etymology and related forms: The word is a compound of nood (need, necessity) and zakelijk (related to matter or practicality). It is part of a native Dutch formation. The noun form "noodzaak" means necessity or emergency, and "noodzakelijkheid" denotes the quality or state of being necessary. In translation, noodzakelijk corresponds to "necessary" or "essential," with equivalents in other languages such as German notwendig and English necessary, though they are not direct cognates in every sense.