I'm learning Nederlands

onmisbaar — meaning in English: indispensable

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for indispensable
gezondheid
maand
onmisbaar
teleurgesteld
tafel
Skip this question   
🎓
Learn Dutch for free
Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.
Start learning →
Already have an account? Log in
neutral common
Usage
Native Dutch speakers often use the word 'onmisbaar' in both professional and personal settings. For instance, you might hear it in a business meeting when discussing essential tools or resources, such as software that is 'onmisbaar' for productivity. Similarly, in everyday conversations, people might describe a beloved family recipe or a close friend as 'onmisbaar' in their lives.
Synonyms & nuances
'Onmisbaar' closely relates to synonyms like 'essentieel' (essential) and 'cruciaal' (crucial), but it carries a stronger connotation of something being truly irreplaceable. You might choose 'onmisbaar' when you want to emphasize the absolute necessity of an item or person in a specific context.
Culture
'Onmisbaar' is derived from the Dutch word 'misbaar,' which originally meant 'to be missed' in a negative sense. The prefix 'on-' negates this, forming a word that conveys something that cannot be missed or is essential. This transformation illustrates how the Dutch language evolves to emphasize necessity and importance in everyday life.
FAQ
Q.What does 'onmisbaar' mean in English?
'Onmisbaar' translates to 'indispensable' in English, signifying something that is absolutely necessary and cannot be done without.
Q.How can I use 'onmisbaar' in a sentence?
You can use 'onmisbaar' to highlight the importance of something, such as: 'Deze tool is onmisbaar voor ons project,' meaning 'This tool is indispensable for our project.'
Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 'onmisbaar'?
A common mistake is using 'onmisbaar' too casually. It's best suited for contexts where you want to stress the essential nature of something, rather than using it for subjective opinions.
Learn dutch with Maspeak →
Dutch Vocabulary