This is the 807th most frequent Russian word.
нужны
"Needed" or "necessary."
In this sentence, the word 'нужны' is used to indicate that something (the tools) is necessary or required for a purpose (repairs).
Эти инструменты нужны для ремонта.
These tools are needed for repairs.
Here, 'нужны' expresses the necessity or requirement of an object (new books) by someone (they/them).
Им нужны новые книги.
They need new books.
In this example, 'нужны' is used to convey the materials (vegetables) that are required for an activity or task (cooking dinner).