The correct spelling of the phrase "wert needed" is actually "were needed." The pronunciation of "were" in IPA phonetic transcription is /wɜr/, while "wert" is not a common spelling of the word. The use of "wert" in older texts, such as Shakespearean plays, was meant to indicate the past tense or subjunctive mood, as it was a common variation of "were" in Middle English. However, in modern English, "were" is the preferred spelling in all contexts.
"Wert needed" is a non-standard or archaic phrase that can be broken down into its constituent parts to understand its meaning.
"Wert" is the past tense of the verb "be" in the second-person singular form. It is derived from Old English and is no longer in common usage, except in certain contexts such as poetry or a more formal communication style. "Wert" is used to express the state of being or existence, often referring to the past.
"Needed" is the past tense and past participle of the verb "need." The verb "need" suggests a necessity or requirement for something or someone. It implies that something is lacking or required to fulfill a particular purpose. When used as a past tense or in a passive voice, "needed" indicates that the requirement or necessity was present in the past and has since been fulfilled or met.
Therefore, "wert needed" can be understood as a past tense expression that combines the archaic form of "be" (indicating existence or being) with the past tense of "need" (indicating the fulfillment of a requirement). As a complete phrase, it suggests that at a certain point in the past, someone or something required certain conditions or necessities in order to exist, function, or achieve a specific goal.