gewöhnlich

/ɡəˈvøːnlɪç/
adjectiveIntermediate ordinary, normal, usual
general

Ordinary, normal, or typical; not special or unusual.

Er trägt gewöhnliche Kleidung.

He wears ordinary clothes.

Das ist eine gewöhnliche Reaktion.

That is a normal reaction.

💡

Can be used to describe people, objects, or situations that are common or unremarkable.

informal

Average or mediocre in quality.

Der Film war gewöhnlich.

The movie was mediocre.

💡

In this sense, it can carry a slightly negative connotation.

Related Phrases

💡Pro Tip

Common Usage

This word is often used to describe things that are common or unremarkable, but it can also be used to describe things that are average or mediocre.

Gold Rule

Context Matters

The tone of the sentence can change the meaning from neutral to slightly negative, so pay attention to the context.

📖Word Origin

From Middle High German 'gewœhnlich', from Old High German 'giwœnlich', from 'giwœn' (custom, habit) + '-lich' (suffix forming adjectives).

📝Usage Notes

Can be used in both positive and negative contexts, depending on the speaker's tone. Often used to describe things that are common or unremarkable.

Word Breakdown

ge-
intensifier
prefix
+
-wöhn-
custom, habit
root
+
-lich
forming adjectives
suffix
Deutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch