Meanings
desire, urge
need, necessity
1932, Erich Mühsam, Die Befreiung der Gesellschaft vom Staat, in: Erich Mühsam: Prosaschriften II, Verlag europäische ideen Berlin (1978), page 255We understand by communism the relationship of society that is based on public ownership, that allows everyone to work according to his capabilities, everyone to consume according to his needs.
Examples
GermanEnglish
Entspricht der Laden Ihren Bedürfnissen?Does the shop meet your needs?
Seit einigen Tagen verspüre ich das Bedürfnis, dir zu schreiben.For several days I've felt the need to write you.