At the A1 level, you should learn gemensam primarily as a way to describe things you share with friends or family. It is a useful word for talking about your social circle. Focus on the phrase 'en gemensam vän' (a mutual friend). You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet, just remember that it means 'shared' or 'common'. Think of it as the 'together' word for things. For example, 'Vi har en gemensam hund' (We have a shared dog). It helps you describe your life in relation to others, which is a key part of basic communication. You might also see it in very simple contexts like 'gemensam lunch' (shared lunch). Keep it simple and focus on the 'en' and 'ett' versions: 'en gemensam' and 'ett gemensamt'.
At the A2 level, you start to see gemensam in more practical, everyday situations. This is when you'll encounter 'gemensamma utrymmen' (common areas) if you live in an apartment. You should be comfortable declining the adjective: gemensam (en), gemensamt (ett), and gemensamma (plural). You can use it to talk about hobbies: 'Vi har ett gemensamt intresse för musik'. You also learn the phrase 'ha något gemensamt' (to have something in common). This level is about moving beyond just people and applying the word to activities and physical spaces. You should be able to distinguish it from 'vanlig' (ordinary) in basic sentences.
At the B1 level, you should be able to use gemensam in more abstract discussions, such as work meetings or social issues. You might talk about 'gemensamma mål' (common goals) at your job or 'en gemensam lösning' (a common solution) to a problem. You begin to notice the word in the media, often referring to 'den gemensamma marknaden' (the common market) or 'gemensamma regler' (common rules). Your understanding of the word should now include its adverbial use: 'De äger huset gemensamt' (They own the house jointly). You should also be able to explain the difference between 'gemensam' and 'allmän' in simple terms. This level requires more precision in how you describe collective efforts.
At the B2 level, gemensam becomes a tool for nuanced argumentation and professional communication. You will use it to describe 'gemensamma värderingar' (shared values) or 'en gemensam nämnare' (a common denominator) in complex analyses. You are expected to use the word correctly in both formal writing and spontaneous speech. You should also be aware of its derivatives, like 'gemenskap' (community) and how they function. At this level, you might encounter the word in legal or administrative contexts, such as 'gemensam ansökan' (joint application). You should feel confident using it to build connections between different ideas or groups in a structured way.
At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the stylistic implications of using gemensam versus its more formal synonyms like samfälld or kollektiv. You can use gemensam to discuss philosophical or sociological concepts, such as 'det gemensamma bästa' (the common good) or 'den gemensamma identiteten'. You understand the historical and cultural weight the word carries in the context of the Swedish welfare state. Your usage is flawless across all registers, and you can identify subtle nuances in literature or high-level academic texts where the word is used to denote unity, shared burden, or collective responsibility.
At the C2 level, your mastery of gemensam is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You can use it in complex rhetorical structures and understand its most obscure idiomatic uses. You are capable of discussing the word's etymological roots and its evolution within the Germanic language family. You can use gemensam to articulate intricate legal, political, or social theories where the concept of 'sharedness' is central. You can effortlessly switch between 'gemensam', 'ömsesidig', and 'kollektiv' to achieve the exact tone and precision required for any given context, whether it's a legal treaty, a poetic work, or a high-stakes negotiation.

gemensam in 30 Sekunden

  • Gemensam means shared or mutual, used for things like friends, goals, or rooms shared by multiple people.
  • It changes form based on the noun: gemensam (en), gemensamt (ett), gemensamma (plural/definite).
  • Do not confuse it with 'vanlig' (ordinary/frequent); gemensam only means 'shared'.
  • It is a key word in Swedish culture, reflecting values of cooperation and the common good.

The Swedish adjective gemensam is a cornerstone of the Swedish language, primarily translating to 'common', 'shared', or 'joint' in English. It describes something that is possessed, used, or experienced by two or more people or entities simultaneously. Unlike the English word 'common' which can sometimes mean 'ordinary' or 'frequent' (for which Swedish uses vanlig), gemensam specifically denotes a collective nature or a mutual connection.

Collective Ownership
When individuals buy property together or share a bank account, it is referred to as being gemensam. For instance, a couple might have a gemensam ekonomi (shared finances).
Shared Interests or Traits
If two people enjoy the same hobby, they have a gemensamt intresse. This extends to abstract concepts like values or goals.
Mutual Connections
In social networking, a person you and another person both know is a gemensam bekant or gemensam vän.

Understanding the nuance of gemensam is vital for navigating Swedish social structures. Sweden has a long history of collectivism and 'folkhemmet' (the people's home), where the idea of the 'common good' (det gemensamma bästa) is frequently discussed in political and social contexts. It implies a sense of unity and cooperation that is deeply embedded in the culture.

Vi måste hitta en gemensam lösning på problemet.

Translation: We must find a common solution to the problem.

The word is highly versatile and appears in various formal and informal settings. In business, you might hear about gemensamma satsningar (joint ventures). In a residential building, you will certainly encounter gemensamma utrymmen (common areas) like the laundry room or the courtyard. The term effectively bridges the gap between private and public life by highlighting the areas where they overlap.

Historically, the word entered Swedish from Middle Low German 'gemenesame', which is related to the English word 'mean' (in the sense of 'held in common') and the German 'gemeinsam'. This Germanic root emphasizes the 'togetherness' aspect. When you use gemensam, you are emphasizing that the subject does not belong to just one individual but is a bridge between many.

De har många gemensamma minnen från barndomen.

Translation: They have many shared memories from childhood.

In summary, use gemensam whenever you want to describe something that is shared, joint, or mutual. It is a word of connection, cooperation, and collective identity.

Using gemensam correctly requires an understanding of Swedish adjective declension. Because it is an adjective, its ending changes based on the gender and number of the noun it describes, as well as whether the noun is definite or indefinite.

En-nouns (Utrum)
For singular indefinite en-nouns, use gemensam. Example: en gemensam nämnare (a common denominator).
Ett-nouns (Neutrum)
For singular indefinite ett-nouns, use gemensamt. Example: ett gemensamt ansvar (a shared responsibility).
Plural and Definite Forms
For all plural nouns and all definite nouns, use gemensamma. Example: våra gemensamma vänner (our mutual friends) or den gemensamma nämnaren (the common denominator).

One of the most common sentence patterns involves the preposition för (for) or med (with). For example, 'Something is common for us' would be något är gemensamt för oss. If you are talking about having something in common with someone, you use the phrase ha något gemensamt med någon.

Vi har inget gemensamt.

Translation: We have nothing in common.

In more complex sentences, gemensam often appears in the predicate position after verbs like vara (to be) or bli (to become). When used this way, it still must agree with the subject of the sentence. For example: Beslutet var gemensamt (The decision was joint) vs. Målen är gemensamma (The goals are common).

You will also see gemensam used in compound words, though it is often kept separate as an adjective. However, related words like gemenskap (community/fellowship) are very frequent. When constructing sentences about shared activities, gemensam adds a layer of formality and precision that words like 'ihop' (together) might lack.

De tog ett gemensamt kliv framåt.

Translation: They took a joint step forward.

Advanced learners should note that gemensamt can also function as an adverb in certain contexts, meaning 'together' or 'jointly'. For example: De äger huset gemensamt (They own the house jointly). Here, the '-t' ending is used regardless of the gender of 'huset' because it is describing the action of owning.

The word gemensam is ubiquitous in Swedish life, appearing in everything from legal documents to casual conversations over coffee. If you live in Sweden, you will likely encounter it daily in various practical contexts.

Housing and Living
In an apartment building (bostadsrättsförening), you will hear about gemensamma utrymmen. This includes the tvättstuga (laundry room), cykelförråd (bicycle storage), and trapphus (stairwell). Maintenance of these areas is a gemensamt ansvar.
Workplace and Collaboration
In office environments, managers often speak of gemensamma mål (common goals) and gemensamma projekt. It emphasizes that the success of the project depends on everyone's contribution.
Social Media and Networking
When you look at someone's profile on LinkedIn or Facebook, you will see a section for gemensamma kontakter or gemensamma vänner. This is the direct equivalent of 'mutual friends'.

In the news and political discourse, gemensam is a key term. Politicians often discuss den gemensamma välfärden (the common welfare) or EU:s gemensamma jordbrukspolitik (the EU's Common Agricultural Policy). It suggests a collective investment and a shared destiny.

Vi har en gemensam värdegrund i vårt företag.

Translation: We have a shared set of values in our company.

In education, students might be assigned a gemensam uppgift (group assignment). In the kitchen, a family might share a gemensam måltid (communal meal). The word is so integrated into the concept of Swedish 'tillsammans-kultur' (togetherness culture) that it feels natural in almost any setting where more than one person is involved.

Listen for it in podcasts and television shows as well. When hosts interview two people who are related or work together, they often ask about their gemensamma historia (shared history). It is a word that builds bridges and defines relationships.

Sverige och Finland har en gemensam gräns.

Translation: Sweden and Finland have a common border.

While gemensam might seem straightforward, English speakers often trip up because 'common' in English has two distinct meanings that Swedish separates into two different words.

Gemensam vs. Vanlig
This is the biggest hurdle. English uses 'common' for things that are shared (common goal) AND for things that happen often (a common mistake). In Swedish, gemensam is only for the first meaning. For 'frequent' or 'ordinary', you must use vanlig. Saying 'Det är ett gemensamt fel' would imply that multiple people are making the exact same error together, rather than it being a frequent error.
Gemensam vs. Allmän
Allmän means 'public' or 'general'. While 'allmänna utrymmen' and 'gemensamma utrymmen' are similar, 'allmän' implies it belongs to the public at large, while 'gemensam' implies it belongs to a specific group (like residents of a building).
Adjective Agreement
Forgetting the '-t' for ett-nouns or the '-ma' for plural/definite forms. 'Ett gemensam intresse' is incorrect; it must be ett gemensamt intresse.

Another mistake is using gemensam when you should use the adverb tillsammans. If you want to say 'We did it together', you say 'Vi gjorde det tillsammans'. If you say 'Vi gjorde det gemensamt', it sounds more formal, like 'We did it jointly'. In casual speech, tillsammans is much more frequent for actions.

Fel: Det är ett gemensamt namn. (Unless shared by people in the room).
Rätt: Det är ett vanligt namn. (It is a common/frequent name).

Finally, be careful with the word gemenskap. While it is related, it is a noun meaning 'community' or 'fellowship'. Do not confuse it with the adjective. You cannot say 'Vi har en gemenskap bil'. You must say 'Vi har en gemensam bil'.

Fel: Vi har gemensamma om framtiden.
Rätt: Vi har en gemensam vision om framtiden.

To truly master Swedish, you need to know when to use gemensam and when a synonym might be more appropriate. Here is a breakdown of related words and how they differ.

Delad (Shared/Divided)
Delad comes from the verb 'dela' (to share or divide). While 'en delad vårdnad' (shared custody) is common, gemensam is often used for things that are unified, whereas delad can imply something split into parts.
Ömsesidig (Mutual)
This word is specifically for feelings or actions directed by two people toward each other. 'Ömsesidig respekt' (mutual respect) is more precise than 'gemensam respekt', though both are understood. Gemensam is more about the 'thing' being shared, while ömsesidig is about the 'reciprocity'.
Kollektiv (Collective)
This has a more formal or political tone. 'Kollektivt beslut' (collective decision) suggests a group process, often in a structured organization. Gemensam is more natural for personal or everyday shared items.
Samfälld (Joint/Unanimous)
Used in formal contexts, like 'samfälld aktion' (joint action). It is less common in speech than gemensam.

Choosing between these depends on the 'flavor' you want to give your sentence. If you want to emphasize that you and your partner share a bank account, gemensam is perfect. If you want to emphasize that you both like each other, ömsesidig is better. If you are talking about a group of people owning a forest together, samfälld might appear in the legal papers.

De har ett gemensamt intresse för segling.

Translation: They have a shared interest in sailing.

Understanding these distinctions will help you sound more like a native speaker. While people will understand you if you use gemensam for everything, using ömsesidig or delad when appropriate shows a higher level of linguistic sophistication.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /jɛˈmɛnˌsam/
US /jɛˈmɛnˌsɑm/
Second syllable (ge-MEN-sam).
Reimt sich auf
ensam (alone) varsam (gentle) hjälpsam (helpful) lydsam (obedient) verksam (active) aktsam (careful) långsam (slow) vaksam (watchful)
Häufige Fehler
  • Pronouncing the 'g' as a hard 'g' (like 'goat'). It should be a 'y' sound.
  • Stressing the first syllable instead of the second.
  • Mispronouncing the 'e' as a short 'e' like in 'get' instead of a long 'e' sound.
  • Forgetting to pronounce the 'm' clearly at the end.
  • Mixing up the vowel sounds in 'sam' with 'som'.

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

Vi har en gemensam vän.

We have a mutual friend.

Gemensam follows 'en' nouns.

2

De har ett gemensamt barn.

They have a child together.

Gemensamt follows 'ett' nouns.

3

Vi äter en gemensam middag.

We are eating a shared dinner.

Indicates a collective activity.

4

Det är vår gemensamma bil.

It is our shared car.

Gemensamma is used with plural or possessive pronouns.

5

Har ni något gemensamt?

Do you have anything in common?

Standard phrase for finding shared traits.

6

Vi har en gemensam hobby.

We have a shared hobby.

Simple adjective use.

7

De bor i ett gemensamt hus.

They live in a shared house.

Ett-noun agreement.

8

Våra vänner är gemensamma.

Our friends are mutual.

Predicative use in plural.

1

Huset har en gemensam tvättstuga.

The house has a common laundry room.

Common term in Swedish housing.

2

Vi letar efter en gemensam lösning.

We are looking for a common solution.

Abstract usage begins at A2.

3

De har många gemensamma intressen.

They have many shared interests.

Plural adjective agreement.

4

Det var ett gemensamt beslut.

It was a joint decision.

Ett-noun agreement.

5

Vi har en gemensam bekant i Stockholm.

We have a mutual acquaintance in Stockholm.

Slightly more formal than 'vän'.

6

Det finns en gemensam nämnare här.

There is a common denominator here.

Idiomatic but common.

7

De äger en gemensam sommarstuga.

They own a shared summer cottage.

Indicates joint ownership.

8

Vi ska ha en gemensam fest.

We are going to have a joint party.

Shared event.

1

Vi arbetar mot ett gemensamt mål.

We are working toward a common goal.

Common in workplace contexts.

2

De har en gemensam ekonomi nu.

They have shared finances now.

Refers to joint bank accounts/bills.

3

Det är viktigt med gemensamma regler.

It is important to have common rules.

Plural usage.

4

Vi har gjort en gemensam satsning på export.

We have made a joint effort in exports.

Business terminology.

5

De äger marken gemensamt.

They own the land jointly.

Adverbial usage with -t.

6

Vi delar en gemensam vision för framtiden.

We share a common vision for the future.

High-level abstract noun.

7

Detta är vår gemensamma plikt.

This is our common duty.

Moral or social context.

8

De har en gemensam vårdnad om barnen.

They have joint custody of the children.

Legal term.

1

Projektet kräver en gemensam ansträngning.

The project requires a collective effort.

Professional context.

2

Vi måste hitta den gemensamma nämnaren.

We must find the common denominator.

Analytical usage.

3

Det finns en gemensam värdegrund i samhället.

There is a shared set of values in society.

Sociological term.

4

De fattade ett gemensamt beslut att sälja.

They made a joint decision to sell.

Formal action.

5

EU har en gemensam utrikespolitik.

The EU has a common foreign policy.

Political context.

6

Vi har en gemensam historia som sträcker sig långt bakåt.

We have a shared history that goes far back.

Historical context.

7

De gemensamma satsningarna har gett resultat.

The joint investments have yielded results.

Economic context.

8

Vi behöver en gemensam strategi för klimatet.

We need a common strategy for the climate.

Global issue context.

1

Den gemensamma nämnaren för dessa fenomen är stress.

The common denominator for these phenomena is stress.

Academic analysis.

2

De har en djupt rotad gemensam kultur.

They have a deeply rooted shared culture.

Cultural analysis.

3

Vi måste värna om det gemensamma bästa.

We must protect the common good.

Ethical/Political discourse.

4

Deras gemensamma intressen sammanfaller sällan.

Their shared interests rarely coincide.

Formal observation.

5

En gemensam europeisk identitet håller på att växa fram.

A common European identity is emerging.

Sociopolitical commentary.

6

Vi har utarbetat en gemensam ståndpunkt i frågan.

We have developed a common position on the issue.

Diplomatic language.

7

Den gemensamma nämnaren är bristen på resurser.

The common denominator is the lack of resources.

Problem-solving context.

8

Detta är frukten av vår gemensamma möda.

This is the fruit of our collective labor.

Poetic/Formal register.

1

Härvidlag krävs en gemensam kraftansträngning av oanade proportioner.

In this regard, a collective effort of unprecedented proportions is required.

Highly formal/Academic.

2

Den gemensamma nämnaren i hans författarskap är melankoli.

The common denominator in his writing is melancholy.

Literary criticism.

3

Vi agerar utifrån en gemensam värdepremiss.

We act based on a shared value premise.

Philosophical context.

4

De båda länderna har en gemensam förvaltning av naturresurserna.

Both countries have a joint management of natural resources.

Administrative/Legal.

5

Det finns en gemensam förståelse för de bakomliggande faktorerna.

There is a shared understanding of the underlying factors.

High-level analysis.

6

Den gemensamma nämnaren är ofta svår att identifiera vid första anblicken.

The common denominator is often difficult to identify at first glance.

Abstract reasoning.

7

Vår gemensamma framtid vilar på dagens beslut.

Our common future rests on today's decisions.

Rhetorical/Oratory style.

8

Det rör sig om en gemensam angelägenhet för hela mänskligheten.

It is a matter of common concern for all of humanity.

Global/Humanistic context.

Häufige Kollokationen

gemensam nämnare
gemensamma vänner
gemensamma utrymmen
gemensamt intresse
gemensamt beslut
gemensam ekonomi
gemensam satsning
gemensamt ansvar
gemensam vårdnad
gemensam framtid

Häufige Phrasen

ha något gemensamt

— To have something in common with someone else.

Vi har ingenting gemensamt.

för det gemensamma bästa

— For the greater good of the group or society.

Vi måste offra oss för det gemensamma bästa.

en gemensam sak

— A shared cause or matter.

De gjorde gemensam sak mot kungen.

gemensam nämnare

— A common feature or characteristic.

Vad är den gemensamma nämnaren här?

gemensamt intresse

— A shared hobby or passion.

Musik är vårt gemensamma intresse.

i gemensam regi

— Jointly managed or directed.

Projektet drivs i gemensam regi.

gemensam satsning

— A collaborative investment or effort.

Det krävs en gemensam satsning på skolan.

gemensamma krafter

— Combined efforts.

Med gemensamma krafter klarade vi det.

gemensamma utrymmen

— Shared areas in a building.

Håll de gemensamma utrymmena rena.

gemensam ståndpunkt

— A unified position or opinion.

Vi har nått en gemensam ståndpunkt.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"göra gemensam sak med någon"

— To join forces or team up with someone for a specific purpose.

De gjorde gemensam sak med sina konkurrenter.

neutral
"den gemensamma nämnaren"

— The one thing that different people or things have in common.

Gemensam nämnare för alla är kärleken till mat.

neutral
"det gemensamma bästa"

— The common good; what is best for everyone involved.

Vi arbetar för det gemensamma bästa.

formal
"under gemensamt tak"

— Living or working together in the same place.

De bor nu under gemensamt tak.

literary
"ha en räv bakom örat"

— Not related to gemensam, but often used in shared contexts to mean someone is cunning.

Se upp, han har en räv bakom örat.

informal
"dra sitt strå till stacken"

— To contribute one's share to a collective effort.

Alla måste dra sitt strå till stacken.

informal
"i samma båt"

— Being in the same (usually difficult) situation together.

Vi sitter alla i samma båt.

neutral
"en enad front"

— A united front; showing a common face to the world.

Vi måste visa en enad front.

formal
"gemensam nämnare"

— The common factor.

Vad är den gemensamma nämnaren?

neutral
"gemensam vårdnad"

— Shared responsibility for a child.

De har gemensam vårdnad.

legal

Wortfamilie

Substantive

gemenskap (community/fellowship)
gemensamhet (commonality)

Verben

gemensamma (rarely used as a verb, usually 'samverka')

Adjektive

gemensam (common/shared)
ogemensam (uncommon - rare)
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