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die Relevanz

B1 noun #3,000 most common 12 min read

die Relevanz

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips die Relevanz in 30 Seconds

Explanation die Relevanz in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'die Relevanz' is quite advanced. You don't usually need it to survive basic situations like ordering coffee or introducing yourself. However, you might see it in simple forms on websites or in news headlines. At this stage, think of it as a fancy way to say 'important' (wichtig). If you see the word, just remember it means something 'fits' or 'matters' for a specific situation. You don't need to use it in your own speaking yet. Focus on the adjective 'relevant' first, as in 'Das ist relevant' (That is relevant). It looks and sounds very similar to the English word, which makes it easy to recognize. Just remember that in German, nouns like 'Relevanz' always start with a capital letter and have a gender—in this case, 'die' (feminine). If you want to say something is important at A1, 'Das ist wichtig' is your best friend. But if you want to sound a little more 'academic' even as a beginner, you can try to recognize 'Relevanz' when you read it in a newspaper or on a professional profile. It's a 'bonus' word for A1 learners.

At the A2 level, you are starting to talk about your work, your education, and your interests in more detail. This is where 'die Relevanz' starts to become useful. You might need to explain why a certain skill is 'relevant' for a job or why a certain topic is 'relevant' for your studies. You should start to notice how it is used with the preposition 'für'. For example: 'Das ist von Relevanz für meinen Job' (That is of relevance for my job). You don't need to use complex sentences yet, but being able to identify the noun 'Relevanz' in a text about the environment or technology will help you understand the main point. You might also encounter the opposite: 'Das hat keine Relevanz' (That has no relevance). This is a very clear way to say something is not important. At A2, focus on the 'die' gender and the fact that it is a noun. You can also start to distinguish it from 'Wichtigkeit'. While 'Wichtigkeit' is general, 'Relevanz' is more about how things connect. If you are describing why you are learning German, you could say: 'Die Relevanz von Deutsch für meine Karriere ist groß' (The relevance of German for my career is great).

At the B1 level, 'die Relevanz' is a core vocabulary word. You are expected to be able to follow discussions on familiar topics and express your own opinions. In these discussions, 'die Relevanz' is a key tool. You will use it to justify your arguments. For example, in a debate about social media, you might say: 'Die Relevanz von sozialen Medien im Alltag nimmt zu' (The relevance of social media in daily life is increasing). You should also be comfortable with common verbs that go with it, like 'haben', 'verlieren', and 'gewinnen'. This level is where you start to see the word in more professional and formal contexts, such as news reports or workplace meetings. You should understand that 'die Relevanz' is more precise than 'Wichtigkeit'. It implies a logical link. You will also encounter the term 'Systemrelevanz', which is very common in German public discourse. Understanding this word helps you engage with current events in Germany. At B1, you should be able to use 'die Relevanz' in both speaking and writing to make your points sound more structured and professional. Practice using the 'von [Adjective] Relevanz sein' construction, as it is a hallmark of B1/B2 level German.

At the B2 level, 'die Relevanz' is used frequently and fluently. You are now expected to understand complex texts and participate in technical discussions in your field. In academic or professional writing at this level, 'die Relevanz' is indispensable for defining the scope of a topic. You will use it to describe the 'Praxisrelevanz' (practical relevance) or 'Forschungsrelevanz' (research relevance) of a project. You should also be able to use more sophisticated adjectives with it, such as 'unmittelbar' (immediate), 'gesellschaftlich' (societal), or 'ökonomisch' (economic). At B2, you should be aware of the nuances between 'Relevanz', 'Bedeutung', and 'Tragweite'. You will often hear the phrase 'von untergeordneter Relevanz' (of secondary relevance) to describe something that is not the main focus. You should also be able to handle the word in different cases, especially the genitive: 'Trotz der geringen Relevanz des Themas...' (Despite the low relevance of the topic...). Your usage should reflect a clear understanding that 'Relevanz' is a functional relationship. In a professional setting, you might argue about the 'Marktrelevanz' (market relevance) of a new product. B2 learners use this word to navigate the world of ideas and professional strategies with precision.

At the C1 level, you use 'die Relevanz' with the precision of a native speaker. You understand its role in abstract argumentation and can use it to weave complex ideas together. You are likely using it in specialized contexts—legal, scientific, or philosophical. You might discuss 'erkenntnistheoretische Relevanz' (epistemological relevance) or 'strafrechtliche Relevanz' (relevance in criminal law). At this stage, you are comfortable with the rare plural 'Relevanzen' when discussing different theoretical frameworks of relevance (e.g., in sociology, following Alfred Schütz's theory of relevance). You use the word to critique arguments, perhaps noting a 'mangelnde Relevanz' (lack of relevance) in someone's logic. You also understand the stylistic value of the word; using 'von Relevanz sein' instead of 'wichtig sein' is a conscious choice to maintain a formal, objective register. You can interpret subtle uses of the word in literature or high-level journalism, where 'Relevanz' might be used ironically or to challenge social norms. For a C1 learner, 'die Relevanz' is not just a word, but a category of thought that helps you categorize and evaluate information in a highly sophisticated manner.

At the C2 level, 'die Relevanz' is a tool you master with stylistic flair. You can use it in highly formal speeches, academic publications, or complex legal briefs. You understand the historical evolution of the concept in German thought and can discuss its relationship to terms like 'Evidenz' or 'Validität'. You might use the word in creative ways, perhaps discussing the 'ästhetische Relevanz' of a piece of art or the 'existenzielle Relevanz' of a philosophical choice. At this level, you are sensitive to the 'overuse' of the word in modern corporate 'Denglisch' and can choose purely German alternatives when appropriate to achieve a specific tone. You can handle the most complex grammatical structures involving the word, including nested relative clauses and complex genitive constructions. You understand that 'Relevanz' is often a gatekeeper in German discourse—deciding what is 'relevant' is an act of power, and you can participate in meta-discussions about who gets to define relevance in society. For a C2 speaker, 'die Relevanz' is a flexible, powerful instrument used to navigate the highest levels of German intellectual and professional life with absolute confidence and nuance.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

die Relevanz in 30 Seconds

Relevanz is the German word for 'relevance' or 'pertinence'. It is a feminine noun (die) used to show how things connect logically.
It is more formal than 'Wichtigkeit' and is frequently used in academic, professional, and media contexts to justify why something matters.
Commonly used with the preposition 'für' plus the accusative case, such as 'Relevanz für die Zukunft' (relevance for the future).
A key modern term is 'Systemrelevanz', referring to essential jobs or services that keep society functioning during a crisis.

The German noun die Relevanz is a sophisticated yet essential term that translates directly to 'relevance' in English. It describes the state or quality of being closely connected or appropriate to the matter at hand. In the hierarchy of German vocabulary, it sits comfortably at the B1 level because while it describes an abstract concept, it is ubiquitous in media, education, and professional life. Understanding this word requires more than just knowing its English equivalent; it requires understanding the German penchant for precision. Unlike 'Wichtigkeit' (importance), which is a broad umbrella term, Relevanz specifically implies a logical or functional connection to a specific context.

The Logical Connection: In academic and scientific contexts, die Relevanz is used to justify why a study was conducted or why a specific variable is being analyzed. If a piece of data has no Relevanz, it is considered 'irrelevant' or 'belanglos'.
Social and Political Usage: A very modern use of this word appeared during the COVID-19 pandemic with the term Systemrelevanz. This referred to 'systemic relevance'—the idea that certain jobs (nurses, grocery clerks) were essential to the functioning of society. This elevated the word from dusty textbooks into daily dinner-table conversations across Germany.

Die Forscher untersuchten die Relevanz des Klimawandels für die lokale Landwirtschaft.

Translation: The researchers investigated the relevance of climate change for local agriculture.

When you use die Relevanz, you are signaling that you are looking at the 'why' and 'how' something fits into a larger puzzle. In a business meeting, asking 'Was ist die Relevanz dieser Zahlen?' (What is the relevance of these numbers?) sounds much more professional than asking why they are important. It implies you are seeking the underlying connection to the company's goals. Historically, the word entered German from the Latin 'relevare', which originally meant 'to lift up' or 'to relieve'. In a metaphorical sense, relevance 'lifts up' a fact from a sea of information, making it stand out as significant for the current situation.

In der heutigen Zeit verliert das Fernsehen an Relevanz gegenüber dem Internet.

In terms of grammar, it is a feminine noun (die). It is almost always used in the singular. While a plural 'Relevanzen' technically exists in specialized sociological or philosophical texts to describe different types of relevance, you will likely never need it in 99 percent of your German interactions. You will often see it paired with the preposition für (for) followed by the accusative case, as in 'Relevanz für die Zukunft' (relevance for the future).

Professional Context: If you are writing a resume (Lebenslauf), you want to highlight experiences that have 'direkte Relevanz' for the job you are applying for. This shows the employer you understand the specific requirements of the role.

Ihre Erfahrung hat eine hohe Relevanz für unsere aktuelle Position.

To wrap up, die Relevanz is your tool for connecting dots. Whether you are discussing the news, arguing a point in a university seminar, or explaining why your hobby is actually a useful skill, this word provides the structural glue for your arguments. It is a bridge between a subject and its context, a word that demands clarity and rewards the speaker with an air of intellectual competence.

Using die Relevanz correctly involves mastering its common collocations and prepositional structures. The most frequent structure you will encounter is die Relevanz von [Dative] für [Accusative]. For example: 'Die Relevanz von Bildung für den Erfolg' (The relevance of education for success). This structure allows you to pinpoint exactly what is being connected to what. Because it is a feminine noun, remember that the article changes based on the case: die Relevanz (Nominative/Accusative), der Relevanz (Genitive/Dative).

Wir müssen die Relevanz der Daten kritisch hinterfragen.

We must critically question the relevance of the data.

Common Verbs with Relevanz

besitzen / haben: To possess/have relevance. 'Dieses Thema hat eine große Relevanz.'
verlieren: To lose relevance. 'Alte Gesetze verlieren oft ihre Relevanz.'
gewinnen: To gain relevance. 'Nachhaltigkeit gewinnt an Relevanz.'
prüfen / untersuchen: To check/investigate relevance.

Another important aspect is the use of adjectives. Since Relevanz is a noun of degree, you will often see it paired with words like hoch (high), gering (low), unmittelbar (immediate/direct), or gesellschaftlich (societal). Saying 'Das ist von gesellschaftlicher Relevanz' is a very common way to say something matters to society as a whole. Notice the use of 'von' here—this is a common construction: von [Adjective] Relevanz sein (to be of [adjective] relevance).

Diese Entdeckung ist von globaler Relevanz.

In everyday speech, you might hear someone say 'Das hat für mich keine Relevanz'. This is a polite but firm way of saying 'I don't care about that' or 'That doesn't apply to me'. It sounds less aggressive than 'Das ist mir egal'. By using the word Relevanz, you are framing your lack of interest as a logical conclusion based on the context, rather than a personal whim. It is particularly useful in professional emails when you want to filter out information that isn't necessary for your department.

Könnten Sie die Relevanz dieser Information für unser Projekt erläutern?

Finally, consider the negative form. While you can say 'keine Relevanz', the specific noun for 'irrelevance' is die Irrelevanz. However, using 'keine Relevanz' is often more natural in spoken German. You might also hear the adjective 'relevant' much more frequently than the noun. 'Das ist nicht relevant' is the standard way to dismiss something. But when you want to discuss the *concept* of how things relate, the noun die Relevanz is your best friend. It allows you to speak about the 'degree of connection' as a measurable or debatable quality.

You will encounter die Relevanz in several specific 'habitats' of the German language. The first and most prominent is the Tagesschau or other news broadcasts. News anchors frequently discuss the 'politische Relevanz' of a new law or a diplomatic visit. In this context, the word serves to tell the audience why they should pay attention. It acts as a filter for the overwhelming amount of global information, signaling what truly impacts the lives of citizens.

Die Relevanz dieser Wahl für Europa kann nicht unterschätzt werden.

The relevance of this election for Europe cannot be underestimated.

Academic Lectures and Seminars: If you study at a German university (Universität), you will hear professors talk about 'Forschungsrelevanz'. They are constantly asking if a research topic is relevant to current scientific debates. Students are often told to 'die Relevanz Ihrer Fragestellung' (the relevance of your research question) in their bachelor or master theses.

In the corporate world, die Relevanz is a buzzword in marketing and SEO (Search Engine Optimization). Marketing experts talk about 'Zielgruppenrelevanz'—how relevant a product or advertisement is to a specific target group. If an ad isn't relevant, the 'Click-Through-Rate' drops. In search engines like Google, 'Relevanz' is the holy grail; the algorithm's entire job is to determine the relevance of a website to a user's search query.

Google bewertet die Relevanz von Inhalten basierend auf Keywords.

A fascinating cultural moment for this word is the concept of Systemrelevanz. During the lockdowns in Germany, this word was everywhere. It determined who could send their children to daycare and who had to stay at home. It sparked a massive national debate about which professions are truly 'relevant' to the survival of the state. This discussion moved the word from a dry, academic term into a deeply emotional and political one, touching on themes of fairness, salary, and social recognition. You might still hear people jokingly ask, 'Ist das systemrelevant?', when talking about something mundane like a cup of coffee or a favorite TV show.

Die Debatte über die Relevanz von Kunst in Krisenzeiten hält an.

Finally, in the legal system, judges and lawyers look for 'rechtliche Relevanz'. Not every fact presented in court is allowed to influence a verdict—only those that are legally relevant. If you watch a German courtroom drama or read a news report about a trial, keep an ear out for this term. It is the filter that separates mere stories from evidence. In summary, whether it's the 'systemic relevance' of a nurse, the 'search relevance' of a blog post, or the 'legal relevance' of a witness statement, this word is the gatekeeper of focus in German society.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using die Relevanz is confusing it with the general word for 'importance', which is die Wichtigkeit or die Bedeutung. While they are related, they are not interchangeable. Wichtigkeit is a personal or intrinsic value. A child's teddy bear has a high Wichtigkeit for the child, but it rarely has Relevanz in a business meeting. Relevanz always requires a context or a 'target' to which it relates.

The Preposition Trap: English speakers often want to use 'zu' because they think of 'relevance TO'. In German, however, the standard preposition is für (+ Accusative). Saying 'Relevanz zu dem Thema' is a common 'Anglicism' and sounds slightly off to a native ear. Stick to 'Relevanz für das Thema'.
Gender and Articles: Since it ends in '-anz', it is always feminine. Some learners mistakenly use 'das Relevanz' because many abstract concepts in other languages or even some German words ending in '-nz' (like 'das Potenzial'—though that's a different ending) can be confusing. Remember: -anz, -enz, -heit, -keit, -ung are almost always feminine.

Falsch: Das Relevanz von dem Buch ist klein.
Richtig: Die Relevanz des Buches ist gering.

Another mistake involves the plural. As mentioned before, Relevanzen is extremely rare. Learners sometimes try to pluralize it when talking about multiple relevant points. Instead of saying 'Die Relevanzen dieser Punkte', it is much more natural to say 'Die Relevanz dieser Punkte' (treating relevance as an abstract quality shared by all) or 'Dass diese Punkte relevant sind'. Using the plural often makes you sound like a 19th-century philosopher—which might be cool, but isn't very practical for B1-level communication.

Finally, be careful with the adjective/noun transition. Learners often say 'Das ist Relevanz' when they mean 'Das ist relevant'. In German, you usually need an adjective to describe a state ('Das ist relevant') and a noun to discuss the concept ('Die Relevanz ist hoch'). Confusing these two can lead to sentences that sound like 'That is importance' instead of 'That is important'. Always ask yourself: Am I describing the thing (adjective) or am I talking about the quality itself (noun)?

Falsch: Diese Frage ist Relevanz.
Richtig: Diese Frage ist von Relevanz / Diese Frage ist relevant.

By avoiding these pitfalls—using 'für' instead of 'zu', remembering the feminine gender, avoiding the plural, and distinguishing between the noun and adjective—you will use die Relevanz like a near-native speaker. It is these small details that separate a learner who 'knows words' from a learner who 'knows the language'.

German is rich with synonyms for 'relevance', each carrying a slightly different flavor. Understanding these nuances will help you choose the exact word for the situation. The most common alternative is die Wichtigkeit. While Relevanz is about the connection to a topic, Wichtigkeit is about the weight or value of something. You can say 'Die Wichtigkeit meiner Familie', but you would never say 'Die Relevanz meiner Familie' unless you were discussing them in a very specific, perhaps scientific, context.

Die Bedeutung: This word means both 'meaning' and 'significance'. It is often used interchangeably with Relevanz in academic writing. However, Bedeutung suggests a deeper, perhaps historical or symbolic impact. 'Ein Ereignis von großer Bedeutung' (An event of great significance) sounds more weighty than just 'relevant'.
Der Bezug: This means 'reference' or 'relation'. If you want to say something is relevant to a topic, you can say it has a 'Bezug zum Thema'. This is a very common, slightly less formal way to express relevance. It focuses on the direct link between two things.

Ihre Anmerkung hat keinen Bezug zur aktuellen Diskussion.

Translation: Your comment has no relation to the current discussion.

In more formal or technical settings, you might encounter die Erheblichkeit. This is often used in legal or administrative German to mean 'materiality' or 'substantiality'. If a mistake is 'erheblich', it is so relevant that it changes the outcome of a case. Similarly, die Tragweite refers to the 'scope' or 'reach' of something's relevance. It describes how far the consequences of something will go. 'Die Tragweite dieser Entscheidung' (The scope/implications of this decision) suggests that the relevance is not just local, but far-reaching.

For the opposite of relevance, you have die Belanglosigkeit (triviality) or die Nebensächlichkeit (secondary importance). These words are great for dismissing something as 'small talk' or 'unimportant details'. While Irrelevanz is the technical opposite, Belanglosigkeit feels more descriptive of something that simply doesn't matter. In summary, choose Relevanz for logical connections, Wichtigkeit for general importance, Bedeutung for significance, and Bezug for a direct link. Mastering these synonyms will make your German sound much more varied and precise.

Das ist eine bloße Nebensächlichkeit, die wir ignorieren können.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'relevant' in legal English originally meant 'legally sufficient to help a case'. In German, 'Relevanz' took on a broader philosophical and scientific meaning in the 20th century.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʁeleˈvant͡s/

US /releˈvants/

Stress is on the third syllable: Re-le-VANZ.

Rhymes With

Distanz Bilanz Toleranz Substanz Eleganz Arroganz Akzeptanz Dominanz

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'v' like an 'f' (it should be a voiced 'v').
Pronouncing the 'z' like an English 'z' (it should be 'ts').
Putting the stress on the first syllable.
Making the 'e' sounds too long.
Swallowing the 'n' before the 'z'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize because it looks like English, but context can be academic.

Writing 5/5

Requires knowledge of genitive and prepositional structures.

Speaking 4/5

The 'z' at the end and the stress pattern can be tricky.

Listening 3/5

Common in news and formal speech, usually clearly articulated.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

wichtig das Thema die Bedeutung haben für

Learn Next

die Tragweite die Konsequenz die Erheblichkeit signifikant kontextabhängig

Advanced

Phänomenologie Diskursanalyse Systemtheorie Validität Kausalität

Grammar to Know

Nouns ending in -anz are feminine.

Die Relevanz, die Distanz, die Toleranz.

The preposition 'für' always takes the Accusative case.

Relevanz für den (masculine accusative) Job.

The preposition 'von' always takes the Dative case.

Von hoher (feminine dative) Relevanz.

Genitive case for showing possession or belonging.

Die Relevanz des (masculine genitive) Themas.

Adjective endings after 'von' (Dative).

Von großer Relevanz.

Examples by Level

Das ist wichtig für mich.

That is important for me.

A1 alternative to Relevanz.

Ist das relevant?

Is that relevant?

Using the adjective form.

Die Relevanz ist klein.

The relevance is small.

Simple noun usage.

Das Thema hat keine Relevanz.

The topic has no relevance.

Using 'keine' with the noun.

Relevanz ist ein langes Wort.

Relevance is a long word.

Basic sentence structure.

Ich suche die Relevanz.

I am looking for the relevance.

Accusative case.

Die Relevanz für den Test ist hoch.

The relevance for the test is high.

Preposition 'für' + Accusative.

Das hat Relevanz.

That has relevance.

Subject + Verb + Object.

Die Relevanz dieser Information ist unklar.

The relevance of this information is unclear.

Genitive 'dieser Information'.

Warum hat das Relevanz für uns?

Why does that have relevance for us?

Question with 'für' + personal pronoun.

Er erklärt die Relevanz des Projekts.

He explains the relevance of the project.

Genitive 'des Projekts'.

Diese Daten besitzen hohe Relevanz.

These data possess high relevance.

Using the verb 'besitzen'.

Wir prüfen die Relevanz der Website.

We are checking the relevance of the website.

Verb 'prüfen' + Accusative.

Das Buch verliert an Relevanz.

The book is losing relevance.

Phrase 'an Relevanz verlieren'.

Gibt es eine Relevanz für die Schule?

Is there a relevance for the school?

Question with 'es gibt'.

Ich sehe die Relevanz nicht.

I don't see the relevance.

Negation with 'nicht'.

Die gesellschaftliche Relevanz von Kunst ist groß.

The societal relevance of art is great.

Adjective 'gesellschaftlich' modifying the noun.

Das Thema hat für meine Arbeit keine Relevanz.

The topic has no relevance for my work.

Word order: 'für meine Arbeit' before 'keine Relevanz'.

Man muss die Relevanz der Quellen belegen.

One must prove the relevance of the sources.

Modal verb 'muss' + infinitive 'belegen'.

Diese Nachricht ist von hoher Relevanz.

This news is of high relevance.

Construction 'von' + Dative adjective + noun.

Die Relevanz des Klimawandels nimmt ständig zu.

The relevance of climate change is constantly increasing.

Verb 'zunehmen' (to increase).

Wir diskutierten über die Relevanz der neuen Regeln.

We discussed the relevance of the new rules.

Prepositional verb 'diskutieren über'.

Welche Relevanz hat dieser Faktor für das Ergebnis?

What relevance does this factor have for the result?

Interrogative 'welche'.

Die praktische Relevanz der Theorie ist fraglich.

The practical relevance of the theory is questionable.

Adjective 'praktisch'.

Die Systemrelevanz bestimmter Berufe wurde deutlich.

The systemic relevance of certain professions became clear.

Compound noun 'Systemrelevanz'.

Es mangelt dem Vorschlag an Relevanz.

The proposal lacks relevance.

Verb 'mangeln an' + Dative.

Die Relevanz der Studie für die Praxis ist enorm.

The relevance of the study for practice is enormous.

Adverb 'enorm' modifying the adjective.

Diese Faktoren sind von untergeordneter Relevanz.

These factors are of secondary relevance.

Adjective 'untergeordnet' in Dative.

Die Relevanzkriterien müssen klar definiert sein.

The relevance criteria must be clearly defined.

Compound noun 'Relevanzkriterien'.

Trotz der Relevanz wurde das Thema ignoriert.

Despite the relevance, the topic was ignored.

Preposition 'trotz' + Genitive.

Wir müssen die Relevanz für die Zielgruppe erhöhen.

We must increase the relevance for the target group.

Verb 'erhöhen' (to increase).

Die Relevanz dieser Entdeckung ist weltweit anerkannt.

The relevance of this discovery is recognized worldwide.

Passive construction with 'anerkannt'.

Die erkenntnistheoretische Relevanz dieser Frage ist zentral.

The epistemological relevance of this question is central.

Advanced adjective 'erkenntnistheoretisch'.

Man kann die Relevanz dieser Daten kaum überschätzen.

One can hardly overestimate the relevance of these data.

Verb 'überschätzen' with 'kaum'.

Die Relevanzprüfung ergab keine neuen Erkenntnisse.

The relevance check yielded no new insights.

Compound noun 'Relevanzprüfung'.

Das Gericht verneinte die rechtliche Relevanz der Aussage.

The court denied the legal relevance of the statement.

Verb 'verneinen' (to deny/negate).

Es bedarf einer Klärung der Relevanz dieser Faktoren.

A clarification of the relevance of these factors is required.

Verb 'bedürfen' + Genitive.

Die Relevanz von Printmedien schwindet zusehends.

The relevance of print media is visibly dwindling.

Verb 'schwinden' and adverb 'zusehends'.

Diese Nuance ist von entscheidender Relevanz.

This nuance is of decisive relevance.

Adjective 'entscheidend'.

Die Relevanzsetzung unterliegt subjektiven Einflüssen.

The setting of relevance is subject to subjective influences.

Verb 'unterliegen' + Dative.

Die interdisziplinäre Relevanz des Diskurses ist unbestreitbar.

The interdisciplinary relevance of the discourse is undeniable.

Complex academic vocabulary.

In Schützens Phänomenologie spielen verschiedene Relevanzen eine Rolle.

In Schütz's phenomenology, various relevances play a role.

Rare plural usage 'Relevanzen'.

Die Relevanz dieser Parameter ist hochgradig kontextabhängig.

The relevance of these parameters is highly context-dependent.

Adverb 'hochgradig' and adjective 'kontextabhängig'.

Eine Evaluation der Relevanzstrukturen ist unumgänglich.

An evaluation of the relevance structures is inevitable.

Noun 'Evaluation' and 'Relevanzstrukturen'.

Die Relevanz des Werkes erschließt sich erst bei näherer Betrachtung.

The relevance of the work only reveals itself upon closer inspection.

Reflexive verb 'sich erschließen'.

Hierbei wird die Relevanz der historischen Kontingenz deutlich.

Here, the relevance of historical contingency becomes clear.

Abstract term 'historische Kontingenz'.

Das Postulat der Relevanz ist in der Kommunikationstheorie verankert.

The postulate of relevance is anchored in communication theory.

Noun 'Postulat'.

Die Relevanzverschiebung markiert einen Paradigmenwechsel.

The shift in relevance marks a paradigm shift.

Compound noun 'Relevanzverschiebung'.

Common Collocations

hohe Relevanz

geringe Relevanz

gesellschaftliche Relevanz

an Relevanz gewinnen

an Relevanz verlieren

von Relevanz sein

praktische Relevanz

unmittelbare Relevanz

Relevanz prüfen

fehlende Relevanz

Common Phrases

Das hat keine Relevanz.

— That is not important or related to the topic.

Ihre Meinung hat hier keine Relevanz.

Von entscheidender Relevanz.

— Of decisive importance/relevance.

Dieser Punkt ist von entscheidender Relevanz.

Die Relevanz für die Praxis.

— How much something matters in the real world/practice.

Die Relevanz für die Praxis ist gering.

In puncto Relevanz.

— Regarding relevance.

In puncto Relevanz ist das Buch unschlagbar.

An Relevanz einbüßen.

— To lose relevance (more formal than 'verlieren').

Das Thema hat an Relevanz eingebüßt.

Relevanz für das Ergebnis.

— Importance for the final result.

Das hat keine Relevanz für das Ergebnis.

Die politische Relevanz.

— The importance in a political context.

Die politische Relevanz ist unklar.

Mangel an Relevanz.

— A lack of relevance.

Der Bericht leidet an einem Mangel an Relevanz.

Die Relevanz hinterfragen.

— To question the relevance of something.

Wir sollten die Relevanz dieser Daten hinterfragen.

Direkte Relevanz haben.

— To have a direct connection/importance.

Das hat direkte Relevanz für den Fall.

Often Confused With

die Relevanz vs die Wichtigkeit

Wichtigkeit is more general and personal; Relevanz is more contextual and logical.

die Relevanz vs die Resonanz

Resonanz means feedback or echo, not relevance. They sound similar but are very different.

die Relevanz vs die Relativität

Relativität refers to Einstein's theory or the state of being relative, not relevance.

Idioms & Expressions

"Das Kind beim Namen nennen"

— To speak plainly; often used when discussing the true relevance of a problem.

Wir müssen die mangelnde Relevanz beim Namen nennen.

informal/neutral

"Eine Rolle spielen"

— To be relevant or important.

Das spielt für uns eine große Rolle.

neutral

"Ins Gewicht fallen"

— To carry weight or be relevant in a decision.

Diese Kosten fallen nicht ins Gewicht.

neutral

"Auf den Punkt bringen"

— To get to the heart of the matter (the most relevant part).

Er hat die Relevanz auf den Punkt gebracht.

neutral

"Den Nagel auf den Kopf treffen"

— To hit the nail on the head (addressing the relevant issue).

Mit diesem Argument hast du den Nagel auf den Kopf getroffen.

informal

"Außen vor bleiben"

— To be left out (often because of lack of relevance).

Dieses Thema sollte außen vor bleiben.

informal

"Vom Hölzchen aufs Stöckchen kommen"

— To get distracted by irrelevant details.

Wir kommen vom Hölzchen aufs Stöckchen und verlieren die Relevanz.

informal

"Farbe bekennen"

— To show one's true colors (often regarding their relevance in a situation).

Er muss endlich Farbe bekennen.

neutral

"Schnee von gestern sein"

— To be old news (to have lost all relevance).

Diese Information ist Schnee von gestern.

informal

"Das A und O sein"

— To be the most essential/relevant thing.

Gute Planung ist das A und O.

informal

Easily Confused

die Relevanz vs relevant

It is the adjective form.

Relevanz is the noun (the quality), relevant is the adjective (the description).

Das ist relevant. vs. Die Relevanz ist hoch.

die Relevanz vs Bedeutung

Both can mean 'importance'.

Bedeutung often implies 'meaning' or 'significance', while Relevanz implies 'connection'.

Die Bedeutung des Wortes. vs. Die Relevanz der Daten.

die Relevanz vs Bezug

Both deal with connections.

Bezug is a direct reference; Relevanz is the quality of that reference being important.

Er hat einen Bezug zu Berlin. vs. Seine Reise hat Relevanz für den Fall.

die Relevanz vs Interesse

People often care about what is relevant.

Interesse is a feeling; Relevanz is an objective quality.

Ich habe Interesse an Musik. vs. Musik hat keine Relevanz für Mathematik.

die Relevanz vs Aktualität

Current things are often relevant.

Aktualität means 'topicality' or 'recency'. Something can be current but not relevant.

Die Aktualität der Nachricht. vs. Die Relevanz der Nachricht.

Sentence Patterns

Das Thema hat [keine/große] Relevanz.

Das Thema hat große Relevanz.

Die Relevanz von [Dativ] für [Akkusativ] ist [Adjektiv].

Die Relevanz von Sport für die Gesundheit ist hoch.

Das ist von [Dativ Adjektiv] Relevanz.

Das ist von großer Relevanz.

[Subjekt] gewinnt/verliert an Relevanz.

Diese Technik gewinnt an Relevanz.

Trotz der [Genitiv] Relevanz...

Trotz der geringen Relevanz...

Die [Adjektiv] Relevanz erschließt sich durch...

Die rechtliche Relevanz erschließt sich durch das Gesetz.

Es mangelt [Dativ] an Relevanz.

Es mangelt dem Argument an Relevanz.

Die Relevanzsetzung unterliegt [Dativ]...

Die Relevanzsetzung unterliegt politischen Interessen.

Word Family

Nouns

die Relevanz

die Irrelevanz

die Systemrelevanz

die Praxisrelevanz

die Marktrelevanz

Verbs

relevieren (rare/academic)

Adjectives

relevant

irrelevant

systemrelevant

praxisrelevant

das Relat

die Relation

relativ

relativieren

der Bezug

How to Use It

frequency

High in written German, Medium-High in spoken German.

Common Mistakes

Das Relevanz → Die Relevanz
Learners often forget that -anz nouns are feminine.
Relevanz zu dem Thema → Relevanz für das Thema
In German, the preposition 'für' is used instead of 'zu' (to).
Das macht Relevanz → Das hat Relevanz
The verb 'machen' is not used with Relevanz; use 'haben' or 'besitzen'.
Die Relevanzen → Die Relevanz
The plural is almost never used in standard German.
Ich bin Relevanz → Ich bin relevant
Confusing the noun (relevance) with the adjective (relevant).

Tips

Remember the Gender

Nouns ending in -anz are always feminine. 'Die Relevanz' is your mantra.

Use in Business

In meetings, use 'Relevanz' to sound more professional than 'Wichtigkeit'.

Pronounce the 'Z'

Ensure the 'z' sounds like 'ts' to be understood clearly by native speakers.

Learn Collocations

Pair 'Relevanz' with 'haben', 'gewinnen', and 'verlieren' for natural sentences.

Systemrelevanz

Keep this word in mind for political and social discussions in Germany.

Preposition 'Für'

Always use 'für' + Accusative when connecting relevance to a target.

Von Relevanz sein

Use this construction to elevate your writing style in essays.

Relay Race

Think of a relay race (connection) to remember the meaning.

News Keyword

Listen for 'Relevanz' in news broadcasts to identify key arguments.

Vs. Wichtigkeit

Ask yourself: Is it important (wichtig) or is it connected (relevant)?

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'RELay' race. In a relay race, the baton must be passed correctly to the next person. 'RELEVanz' is how well the information 'passes' or connects to the next topic.

Visual Association

Imagine a bridge connecting two islands. The bridge is the 'Relevanz'. If the bridge is strong, the connection is high. If there is no bridge, it is 'irrelevant'.

Word Web

Wichtigkeit Thema Bezug Daten Forschung System Zukunft Entscheidung

Challenge

Write three sentences about your current job or hobby using 'die Relevanz'. Try to use different adjectives like 'hoch', 'gering', and 'praktisch'.

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin verb 'relevare', which means 'to lift up', 'to lighten', or 'to relieve'. It entered German through the French 'pertinence' and the late Latin 'relevans'.

Original meaning: Lifting up or making something stand out.

Indo-European, via Latin and French.

Cultural Context

Be careful when calling someone's opinion 'irrelevant' in German; it can sound very dismissive. Use 'Das ist für dieses Thema weniger wichtig' to be more polite.

In English, 'relevance' is often used more loosely. In German, 'Relevanz' sounds slightly more formal and structured.

Systemrelevanz (2020 pandemic term) Alfred Schütz (Sociologist known for his theory of relevance) Google Search Algorithm (Relevanz-Ranking)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

University/Academic

Die Forschungsrelevanz begründen.
Die Relevanz der Quellen prüfen.
Von wissenschaftlicher Relevanz sein.
Mangelnde Relevanz der Daten.

Business/Work

Die Marktrelevanz analysieren.
Keine Relevanz für das Projekt haben.
An Relevanz gewinnen.
Die Relevanz der Strategie.

News/Politics

Die gesellschaftliche Relevanz.
Systemrelevante Berufe.
Politische Relevanz einer Wahl.
An Relevanz verlieren.

Law

Die rechtliche Relevanz.
Für das Urteil von Relevanz sein.
Beweisrelevanz.
Rechtserheblichkeit.

Daily Life

Das hat keine Relevanz für mich.
Die Relevanz im Alltag.
Etwas für relevant halten.
Was ist die Relevanz davon?

Conversation Starters

"Welche Relevanz hat künstliche Intelligenz für deinen Beruf?"

"Glaubst du, dass Zeitungen in zehn Jahren noch eine Relevanz haben?"

"Wie wichtig ist die gesellschaftliche Relevanz von Kunst für dich?"

"Welche Themen haben für dich persönlich die höchste Relevanz?"

"Hat die Systemrelevanz-Debatte deine Sicht auf bestimmte Berufe verändert?"

Journal Prompts

Reflektiere über ein Thema, das früher wichtig für dich war, aber heute an Relevanz verloren hat.

Beschreibe die Relevanz von Sprachenlernen in einer globalisierten Welt.

Welche Informationen in den Nachrichten haben für dich die größte Relevanz und warum?

Analysiere die Relevanz deiner aktuellen Ausbildung für deine zukünftigen Ziele.

Diskutiere die Systemrelevanz von Kultur und Unterhaltung in Krisenzeiten.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, in German, almost all nouns ending in '-anz' are feminine. This includes words like 'die Distanz', 'die Toleranz', and 'die Bilanz'. You should always use 'die' in the nominative case.

Generally, no. You wouldn't say a person 'has relevance' unless you are talking about their role in a specific context, like 'His relevance as a witness'. For personal importance, use 'Wichtigkeit' or 'Bedeutung'.

It is a term that became popular during the COVID-19 pandemic. It refers to jobs and services that are essential for society to function, such as healthcare, food supply, and energy.

The plural is 'die Relevanzen', but it is extremely rare. You might only see it in academic philosophy or sociology books. In 99% of cases, use the singular.

The noun for 'irrelevance' is 'die Irrelevanz'. However, it is more common to say 'keine Relevanz' (no relevance) in normal conversation.

The most common preposition is 'für' followed by the accusative case. For example: 'Die Relevanz für das Projekt'. Sometimes 'von' is used with the dative: 'Die Relevanz von Daten'.

Yes, it is typically introduced at the B1 level because it is essential for explaining opinions and arguments in a more formal and precise way.

Relevanz implies a logical connection to a specific topic. Wichtigkeit is more general. My cat is 'wichtig' to me, but not 'relevant' to my German homework.

No, that is a literal translation from English and sounds wrong. Use 'Das hat Relevanz' or 'Das besitzt Relevanz'.

The 'z' in German always sounds like 'ts', like the 'ts' in the English word 'cats'. So it's 'Re-le-vants'.