B1 Formal Necessity
„Not bricht Eisen."
Necessity knows no law.
What does „Not bricht Eisen." mean in German?
„Not bricht Eisen." means "Necessity knows no law.." Literally: "Need breaks iron.."
Literal Translation
"Need breaks iron."
Not Need
bricht breaks
Eisen iron
English Equivalent
"Necessity is the mother of invention."
This English idiom conveys the same meaning as the German expression.
Grammar Notes
Proverb; strong verb 'brechen'
When is this idiom used?
Formal
This expression is used in formal or literary German, often found in written texts and speeches.
Related Words
Quick Quiz — Test Yourself
Test your knowledge of Not bricht Eisen.
Related Idioms
„Ab (= geht ab, gehen ab)."
Exit (exeunt).
„Vom 1. Januar ab wird die Miete erhöht."
From the 1st of January the rent will be raised.
„Er ist abgeblitzt."
He was rebuffed.
„Er brach kurz ab."
He stopped short.
„Sie sitzen noch auf der ABC-Bank."
They are still beginners.
„Es drückt mir das Herz ab."
It breaks my heart.
