generell
/ɡeˈneːʁəl/adjective/adverb★Intermediate
formal
in general; overall; generally
Generell gilt: Wer zu spät kommt, muss warten.
In general it applies: Anyone who arrives late must wait.
💡
Used both as an adjective (e.g., 'eine generelle Regel') and as an adverb.
Collocations
generell geltenapply in generalgenerell akzeptiertgenerally acceptedgenerell nicht zulässiggenerally not permissible
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related Phrases
im Allgemeinenphrase
in general
💡Pro Tip
Adverb vs. Adjective
When 'generell' modifies a verb or whole clause, it functions as an adverb ('generell ist das nicht erlaubt'). When it modifies a noun, it is an adjective ('eine generelle Aussage').
⚡Gold Rule
Avoid Overgeneralizing
Use 'generell' only when you truly mean 'in most cases' and not when a specific exception is intended.
📖Word Origin
From Latin 'generalis' meaning 'of a kind, general'.
📝Usage Notes
Often appears in statements that describe a rule or tendency without exceptions. As an adjective it usually precedes a noun (e.g., 'eine generelle Regel').
Word Breakdown
generell
general
rootDeutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch