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A2 adjective #2,000 le plus courant 12 min de lecture

gewöhnlich

At the A1 level, learning the word 'gewöhnlich' is an important step in expanding your vocabulary beyond basic nouns and verbs. While it might seem like a long word, its meaning is very simple: it means 'usual' or 'ordinary'. As a beginner, you are learning how to describe your daily life, your routines, and the things around you. 'Gewöhnlich' is the perfect word to help you do this. You can use it to say that a day was just a normal day, or that an object is just a standard object without any special features. For example, if someone asks you how your weekend was, and you didn't do anything special, you can say, 'Es war ein gewöhnliches Wochenende' (It was an ordinary weekend). At this stage, you should focus on recognizing the word when you hear or read it. You will often see it in simple texts describing daily routines. You should also start practicing the phrase 'wie gewöhnlich', which means 'as usual'. This is a very common phrase that you can use in many situations. For instance, 'Ich trinke Kaffee, wie gewöhnlich' (I am drinking coffee, as usual). Don't worry too much about the complex grammar rules or the different endings the word can take just yet. Focus on understanding its core meaning and using it in simple, fixed phrases. As you progress, you will learn how to use it more flexibly, but for now, knowing that 'gewöhnlich' means 'usual' is a great achievement. It helps you contrast things that are special or new with things that are everyday and normal, which is a fundamental part of communication.
At the A2 level, your understanding of 'gewöhnlich' needs to deepen, particularly regarding its grammatical function. You already know it means 'usual' or 'ordinary', but now you must actively use it as an adjective that changes its ending based on the noun it describes. This is called adjective declension. When you say 'an ordinary day', you must say 'ein gewöhnlicher Tag' because 'Tag' is masculine. For 'an ordinary woman', it is 'eine gewöhnliche Frau', and for 'an ordinary child', 'ein gewöhnliches Kind'. Practicing these endings is crucial at the A2 level. Furthermore, you should start using 'gewöhnlich' as an adverb to describe how often you do things. The phrase 'für gewöhnlich' (usually) is incredibly useful for talking about your habits. For example, 'Für gewöhnlich stehe ich um 7 Uhr auf' (Usually, I get up at 7 AM). Remember the golden rule of German sentence structure: when you start a sentence with 'für gewöhnlich', the verb must come next! You should also learn its opposite, 'ungewöhnlich' (unusual), to describe things that surprise you or break your routine. 'Das ist ein ungewöhnliches Auto' (That is an unusual car). By mastering both 'gewöhnlich' and 'ungewöhnlich', and applying the correct adjective endings, you will significantly improve your ability to describe the world around you in detail. You are moving from just stating facts to describing the quality and frequency of those facts, which is a key milestone in A2 German.
At the B1 level, you are expected to communicate with greater fluency and precision, and your use of 'gewöhnlich' should reflect this. You should now be completely comfortable with adjective declensions and the V2 rule when using 'für gewöhnlich'. The focus at B1 shifts to understanding the nuances of the word and comparing it with its synonyms. You need to know when to use 'gewöhnlich' versus 'normal', 'üblich', or 'alltäglich'. 'Gewöhnlich' emphasizes habit and the lack of special features. 'Normal' refers to a standard or expected state. 'Üblich' refers to customs or traditions. 'Alltäglich' emphasizes the everyday, routine nature of something. For example, you would say 'Es ist üblich, in Deutschland Trinkgeld zu geben' (It is customary to tip in Germany), rather than 'Es ist gewöhnlich...'. You should also be able to use the comparative and superlative forms: 'gewöhnlicher' and 'am gewöhnlichsten'. 'Das ist der gewöhnlichste Fehler' (That is the most common mistake). Additionally, you will start encountering 'gewöhnlich' in more complex sentence structures, such as subordinate clauses. 'Ich weiß, dass er für gewöhnlich pünktlich ist' (I know that he is usually on time). Notice how 'für gewöhnlich' sits inside the clause while the verb 'ist' goes to the end. At B1, you should also be aware of the slightly negative connotation 'gewöhnlich' can have when describing people or behavior, meaning 'unrefined' or 'vulgar', though you might not use it actively in this way yet. Expanding your synonym vocabulary and mastering the syntax are your main goals here.
At the B2 level, your command of 'gewöhnlich' must be sophisticated and nuanced. You are no longer just describing daily routines; you are engaging in complex discussions, reading articles, and expressing detailed opinions. At this stage, you must fully grasp the dual nature of 'gewöhnlich': its neutral meaning of 'usual/ordinary' and its derogatory meaning of 'vulgar/common'. If you read a book review that describes the plot as 'sehr gewöhnlich', you must understand that the reviewer found it banal and unoriginal, not just 'normal'. You should actively use a wide range of synonyms (üblich, regulär, alltäglich, herkömmlich) to avoid repetition and to express exact shades of meaning. For instance, 'herkömmlich' (conventional) is an excellent alternative in technical or formal contexts: 'herkömmliche Methoden' (conventional methods). You should also be comfortable with idiomatic expressions and fixed collocations, such as 'außerhalb des Gewöhnlichen' (out of the ordinary) or 'sein gewohnter Gang' (its usual course - note the related word 'gewohnt'). In writing, you should use 'gewöhnlich' to structure arguments or provide background information before introducing a contrasting point. 'Während es gewöhnlich so ist, dass..., zeigt dieser Fall...' (While it is usually the case that..., this case shows...). Your grammatical accuracy with declensions and sentence position must be near perfect. B2 is about refinement: choosing the exact right word for the context, understanding implied meanings, and using the vocabulary to construct cohesive, complex texts and arguments.
At the C1 level, 'gewöhnlich' is a tool for stylistic variation and precise academic or professional communication. You are expected to understand and utilize the word in its most subtle and complex forms. The distinction between 'gewöhnlich', 'ordinär', 'banal', and 'profan' should be clear to you, and you should be able to use them to critique literature, art, or societal trends. When describing someone's behavior as 'gewöhnlich', you are making a sharp, calculated critique of their lack of class or refinement. You will encounter 'gewöhnlich' in legal and administrative texts, such as 'gewöhnlicher Aufenthalt' (habitual residence), and you must understand its specific legal implications. Your writing should seamlessly integrate adverbial phrases like 'für gewöhnlich' to modulate the certainty or frequency of your statements without disrupting the flow of complex, multi-clause sentences. You should also be adept at nominalizing the adjective: 'das Gewöhnliche' (the ordinary). 'Die Kunst liegt darin, das Gewöhnliche außergewöhnlich erscheinen zu lassen' (The art lies in making the ordinary appear extraordinary). At C1, you play with the language. You might use 'gewöhnlich' ironically or sarcastically. You understand the historical and etymological weight of the word, connecting it to 'Gewohnheit' (habit) and 'wohnen' (to dwell/live). Your use of the word is no longer just about getting a point across; it is about expressing your thoughts with elegance, precision, and a deep understanding of the German cultural and linguistic context.
At the C2 level, your mastery of 'gewöhnlich' is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. You possess a profound, almost intuitive understanding of the word's etymology, its historical shifts in meaning, and its absolute precise application in any conceivable register, from classical literature to contemporary slang. You understand how 'gewöhnlich' evolved from simply meaning 'customary' to occasionally carrying the heavy, derogatory weight of 'vulgar' or 'plebeian' in certain social contexts. You can effortlessly navigate philosophical texts discussing 'das Gewöhnliche' versus 'das Erhabene' (the sublime). You use it to craft highly nuanced arguments, perhaps contrasting the 'gewöhnliche' interpretation of a law with a novel, precedent-setting one. You are fully aware of regional variations and subtle prosodic cues—how the intonation of 'gewöhnlich' can shift its meaning from a simple statement of fact to a biting insult. You manipulate syntax flawlessly, placing 'gewöhnlich' in exactly the right position within a complex period to achieve maximum rhetorical effect. You invent your own metaphors and stylistic devices playing on the concept of the ordinary. At this level of near-native mastery, 'gewöhnlich' is not just a vocabulary item; it is a conceptual lens through which you can analyze and articulate complex observations about human behavior, society, and art in the German language.
Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

gewöhnlich en 30 secondes

  • Means 'usual' or 'ordinary' in English.
  • Often used as 'für gewöhnlich' to mean 'usually'.
  • Can decline as an adjective (ein gewöhnlicher Tag).
  • Can sometimes mean 'vulgar' or 'unrefined' in a negative context.
To fully understand the word 'gewöhnlich', we must delve into its multifaceted applications across various contexts in the German language. When we consider its primary definition, meaning 'usual', 'ordinary', or 'common', we immediately see its utility in everyday conversation. The adjective 'gewöhnlich' derives from the noun 'Gewohnheit', which translates to 'habit' or 'custom'. This etymological connection highlights that something 'gewöhnlich' is something that aligns with established habits or customary practices.
Adjective Usage
Used to describe a noun as being completely standard or without special features.

Das ist ein ganz gewöhnlicher Tag im Büro.

In the realm of German grammar, 'gewöhnlich' functions both as an attributive adjective and as an adverb. As an attributive adjective, it must decline according to the gender, number, and case of the noun it modifies. For example, in the phrase 'ein gewöhnlicher Tag' (an ordinary day), the ending '-er' indicates the masculine nominative case following the indefinite article 'ein'.

Sie trägt gewöhnliche Kleidung.

Conversely, when used as an adverb, 'gewöhnlich' remains uninflected and modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. A very common adverbial phrase is 'für gewöhnlich', which translates to 'usually' or 'as a rule'.
Adverbial Phrase
für gewöhnlich - indicates a habitual action.

Für gewöhnlich stehe ich um sechs Uhr auf.

This phrase is often placed at the beginning of a sentence to establish the general validity of the statement, requiring the verb to move to the second position. Understanding these syntactic nuances is crucial for learners aiming to achieve fluency. Furthermore, the semantic range of 'gewöhnlich' extends beyond mere frequency. While it often neutrally describes something that is not special or unique, it can also carry a slightly negative connotation, implying that something is banal, unrefined, or lacking in quality.

Sein Verhalten war sehr gewöhnlich und unhöflich.

For instance, describing a piece of art as 'gewöhnlich' might suggest it is uninspired or pedestrian. This dual nature of the word—serving both as a neutral descriptor of frequency and a subjective evaluator of quality—makes it a versatile tool in the German lexicon. Comparing 'gewöhnlich' with its synonyms further illuminates its specific meaning. Words like 'normal', 'üblich', and 'alltäglich' share similar semantic space but are used in slightly different contexts.
Synonym Comparison
Normal vs. Gewöhnlich: Normal implies a standard, gewöhnlich implies habit.

Es ist gewöhnlich, dass es hier regnet.

'Normal' often implies adherence to a standard or norm, 'üblich' suggests conformity to a convention or tradition, and 'alltäglich' emphasizes the everyday, mundane nature of something. By mastering the subtle distinctions between these synonyms, learners can express themselves with greater precision and nuance. In literature and formal writing, 'gewöhnlich' is frequently employed to contrast the ordinary with the extraordinary, setting the stage for unexpected events or character developments. In spoken German, it is a staple of daily communication, used to describe routines, expectations, and standard procedures. Learning to use 'gewöhnlich' effectively allows for rich, descriptive storytelling and clear communication of expectations.
Mastering the usage of 'gewöhnlich' requires a solid understanding of German sentence structure and adjective declension rules. Because 'gewöhnlich' can function as both an adjective and an adverb, its placement and form change depending on its role in the sentence. When functioning as an attributive adjective, 'gewöhnlich' is placed directly before the noun it modifies and must take the appropriate declension ending.
Nominative Case
ein gewöhnlicher Mann, eine gewöhnliche Frau, ein gewöhnliches Kind.

Das ist ein gewöhnlicher Vorgang.

The declension depends on whether it follows a definite article (der, die, das), an indefinite article (ein, eine), or no article at all. For example, in the accusative case, you would say 'Ich lese ein gewöhnliches Buch' (I am reading an ordinary book). Notice how the ending '-es' matches the neuter gender of 'Buch' following the indefinite article.

Wir haben keinen gewöhnlichen Wein bestellt.

When 'gewöhnlich' is used as an adverb, it describes how an action is performed or modifies another adjective. In this capacity, it does not take any declension endings. It simply remains 'gewöhnlich'. For instance, 'Er spricht gewöhnlich sehr laut' (He usually speaks very loudly). Here, 'gewöhnlich' tells us about the frequency of his loud speaking.
Adverbial Placement
Adverbs of frequency like 'gewöhnlich' often follow the conjugated verb in a main clause.

Sie kommt gewöhnlich zu spät.

A very common construction is the prepositional phrase 'für gewöhnlich', which acts as an adverbial phrase of time/frequency. When you start a sentence with 'für gewöhnlich', remember the crucial V2 (verb second) rule in German. The verb must immediately follow the phrase. 'Für gewöhnlich esse ich um 13 Uhr zu Mittag' (Usually, I eat lunch at 1 PM).

Für gewöhnlich ist das Museum montags geschlossen.

Another important aspect of using 'gewöhnlich' is understanding its comparative and superlative forms. The comparative is 'gewöhnlicher' (more ordinary/more usual) and the superlative is 'am gewöhnlichsten' (most ordinary/most usual). These forms are used when comparing the ordinariness of two or more things. 'Dieser Weg ist gewöhnlicher als der andere' (This path is more usual than the other).
Superlative Form
Used to express the highest degree of being common or ordinary.

Das ist die am gewöhnlichsten gestellte Frage.

It is also vital to consider the register and context. While 'gewöhnlich' is perfectly acceptable in both spoken and written German, in highly formal or academic contexts, synonyms like 'üblich' or 'regulär' might be preferred depending on the exact nuance required. However, for everyday communication, describing routines, and setting expectations, 'gewöhnlich' is an indispensable and highly frequent vocabulary item that every learner should master thoroughly.
The word 'gewöhnlich' permeates almost every facet of the German language, making it a high-frequency word that learners will encounter constantly. Its presence ranges from casual daily conversations to formal written texts, news broadcasts, and literature. In everyday life, you will hear 'gewöhnlich' most often when people are discussing their routines, habits, and expectations.
Daily Routines
People use it to describe what they normally do on a given day.

Ich trinke gewöhnlich Tee zum Frühstück.

When making plans or discussing schedules, 'gewöhnlich' helps establish the baseline of what is expected. For example, if you ask a friend what time they finish work, they might reply, 'Gewöhnlich um 17 Uhr, aber heute muss ich länger bleiben' (Usually at 5 PM, but today I have to stay longer). This highlights its function in contrasting the norm with an exception.

Die Lieferung dauert gewöhnlich drei Werktage.

In the workplace, 'gewöhnlich' is used to describe standard operating procedures, typical business hours, and regular occurrences. A colleague might explain a process by saying, 'Das ist der gewöhnliche Ablauf für diese Art von Projekt' (That is the usual process for this type of project). In news and media, journalists frequently use 'gewöhnlich' to provide context for events.
News Reporting
Used to contrast extraordinary events with what normally happens.

Das Wetter ist für diese Jahreszeit gewöhnlich kälter.

When reporting on an anomaly, a news anchor might state what the 'gewöhnliche' situation is to emphasize the severity or uniqueness of the current event. Literature and storytelling also rely heavily on 'gewöhnlich' to build worlds and establish the status quo before introducing a conflict. A novel might begin by describing a 'gewöhnlichen Tag' in a 'gewöhnlichen Stadt' to make the subsequent extraordinary events more impactful.

Er war ein sehr gewöhnlicher Mensch ohne große Ambitionen.

Furthermore, you will encounter 'gewöhnlich' in fixed expressions and idioms. The phrase 'wie gewöhnlich' (as usual) is incredibly common in both spoken and written German. If someone arrives at their usual time, you might say, 'Er ist pünktlich, wie gewöhnlich' (He is on time, as usual).
Fixed Expressions
Phrases like 'wie gewöhnlich' are essential for natural-sounding German.

Alles lief ab wie gewöhnlich.

In legal and administrative contexts, the term 'gewöhnlicher Aufenthalt' (habitual residence) is a specific legal concept determining jurisdiction and applicable law. This demonstrates how a common everyday word can take on a highly specific, technical meaning in a specialized register. Overall, 'gewöhnlich' is a ubiquitous word that learners will hear and read constantly, making it a critical component of a robust German vocabulary.
While 'gewöhnlich' is a fundamental vocabulary word, learners frequently make several common mistakes when using it. These errors typically stem from grammatical misunderstandings, false friends, or subtle semantic nuances. One of the most prevalent mistakes involves adjective declension. Because 'gewöhnlich' is a longer word, learners sometimes forget to add the necessary endings when it precedes a noun.
Declension Error
Forgetting the ending: 'ein gewöhnlich Tag' instead of 'ein gewöhnlicher Tag'.

Falsch: ein gewöhnlich Mann. Richtig: ein gewöhnlicher Mann.

It is crucial to remember that as an attributive adjective, 'gewöhnlich' must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies. Another frequent grammatical error occurs with the adverbial phrase 'für gewöhnlich'. Learners often forget the V2 (verb second) rule when starting a sentence with this phrase.

Falsch: Für gewöhnlich ich gehe spazieren. Richtig: Für gewöhnlich gehe ich spazieren.

Semantically, learners often confuse 'gewöhnlich' with 'normal'. While they are often interchangeable, they have distinct nuances. 'Normal' implies adherence to a rule, standard, or biological norm, whereas 'gewöhnlich' relates more to habit, frequency, and the absence of special features. Saying 'Mein Blutdruck ist gewöhnlich' sounds strange; it should be 'Mein Blutdruck ist normal'.
Semantic Confusion
Using 'gewöhnlich' for medical or technical standards instead of 'normal'.

Das ist eine normale (nicht gewöhnliche) Reaktion des Körpers.

Another semantic trap is the negative connotation of 'gewöhnlich'. In English, 'ordinary' is mostly neutral. However, in German, describing a person or their behavior as 'gewöhnlich' can be an insult, meaning 'vulgar', 'uncouth', or 'low-class'. Learners might unintentionally offend someone by trying to say they are a 'regular, down-to-earth person' and instead calling them 'vulgar'.

Ihre Ausdrucksweise war sehr gewöhnlich (vulgär).

Furthermore, learners sometimes struggle with the antonyms. The direct opposite is 'ungewöhnlich' (unusual). However, learners might try to construct awkward phrases like 'nicht gewöhnlich' when 'ungewöhnlich' or 'außergewöhnlich' (extraordinary) would be much more natural and precise.
Antonym Usage
Prefer 'ungewöhnlich' over 'nicht gewöhnlich' for better flow.

Das ist ein höchst ungewöhnlicher Fall.

Lastly, spelling mistakes are common due to the umlaut 'ö' and the 'h' which indicates a long vowel sound. Learners might write 'gewönlich' or 'gewöhnlig'. Paying close attention to the spelling and pronunciation—specifically the elongated 'ö' sound—will help solidify the correct form in memory. By being aware of these common pitfalls, learners can use 'gewöhnlich' with greater accuracy and confidence.
The German language is rich in vocabulary, offering numerous synonyms and related words for 'gewöhnlich'. Understanding the subtle differences between these similar words is key to achieving a higher level of fluency and expressing oneself with precision. The most direct synonyms are 'normal', 'üblich', and 'alltäglich', but each carries its own specific flavor.
Normal
Relates to a standard, norm, or expected baseline.

Es ist völlig normal, dass man am Anfang Fehler macht.

'Normal' is widely used and often interchangeable with 'gewöhnlich' when describing something that isn't strange. However, 'normal' is preferred when talking about physical states, technical specifications, or psychological baselines. 'Üblich', on the other hand, is strongly tied to customs, traditions, and societal expectations. It translates well to 'customary' or 'conventional'.

Es ist hier üblich, Trinkgeld zu geben.

If you say something is 'üblich', you mean that it is the accepted way of doing things within a specific group or culture. 'Alltäglich' literally means 'everyday' and emphasizes the mundane, routine nature of something. It is often used to describe chores, daily occurrences, or things that are so common they are almost boring.
Alltäglich
Focuses on the mundane, daily aspect of an object or event.

Der Stau auf der Autobahn ist ein alltägliches Problem.

Another related word is 'regulär', which means 'regular' in the sense of following rules or a set schedule. You would use 'regulär' for a scheduled train or a standard price, whereas 'gewöhnlich' would describe the train ride itself as uneventful.

Der reguläre Preis ist viel höher.

When 'gewöhnlich' takes on its negative connotation of being vulgar or unrefined, synonyms like 'ordinär', 'vulgär', or 'derb' come into play. 'Ordinär' in German is a false friend to the English 'ordinary'; it almost exclusively means vulgar or cheap in a derogatory sense.
Negative Synonyms
Ordinär, vulgär - used when 'gewöhnlich' means low-class or rude.

Ihre Sprache war sehr ordinär.

Conversely, if you want to emphasize that something is common in the sense of being widespread or prevalent, you might use 'verbreitet' (widespread) or 'häufig' (frequent). By carefully selecting among these synonyms—normal, üblich, alltäglich, regulär, ordinär, and verbreitet—learners can tailor their German to the exact context, avoiding the repetitiveness of relying solely on 'gewöhnlich' and demonstrating a sophisticated command of the language's nuances.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

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Informel

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Argot

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Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Exemples par niveau

1

Das ist ein gewöhnlicher Tag.

That is an ordinary day.

'gewöhnlicher' takes the -er ending for masculine nominative.

2

Ich trinke gewöhnlich Wasser.

I usually drink water.

Used as an adverb here, no ending.

3

Das ist ein gewöhnliches Haus.

That is an ordinary house.

'-es' ending for neuter nominative.

4

Er kommt wie gewöhnlich.

He is coming as usual.

Fixed phrase 'wie gewöhnlich'.

5

Ist das gewöhnlich?

Is that usual?

Used as a predicate adjective, no ending.

6

Wir essen gewöhnlich um sechs.

We usually eat at six.

Adverb of time.

7

Sie trägt gewöhnliche Schuhe.

She wears ordinary shoes.

'-e' ending for plural accusative.

8

Ein gewöhnlicher Apfel ist rot.

An ordinary apple is red.

Masculine nominative declension.

1

Für gewöhnlich fahre ich mit dem Bus.

Usually, I take the bus.

Notice the verb 'fahre' comes immediately after 'Für gewöhnlich'.

2

Das war kein gewöhnlicher Fehler.

That was no ordinary mistake.

Masculine nominative after 'kein'.

3

Wir haben einen ganz gewöhnlichen Hund.

We have a completely ordinary dog.

Masculine accusative ending '-en'.

4

Ist es gewöhnlich, dass es hier so kalt ist?

Is it usual that it is so cold here?

Used with a 'dass' clause.

5

Sie ist schöner als gewöhnlich.

She is more beautiful than usual.

Comparison using 'als'.

6

Das ist eine gewöhnliche Frage in der Prüfung.

That is a common question in the exam.

Feminine nominative ending '-e'.

7

Gewöhnlich arbeiten wir nicht am Sonntag.

Usually we don't work on Sunday.

Adverb at the beginning, verb in second position.

8

Ich suche ein gewöhnliches T-Shirt, nichts Besonderes.

I am looking for an ordinary T-shirt, nothing special.

Neuter accusative ending '-es'.

1

Es ist nicht gewöhnlich, dass der Zug so viel Verspätung hat.

It is not usual for the train to be so delayed.

Impersonal 'es ist' construction with a subordinate clause.

2

Im Vergleich zu gestern ist das ein gewöhnlicher Arbeitstag.

Compared to yesterday, this is an ordinary workday.

Use of 'im Vergleich zu' (compared to).

3

Für gewöhnlich verbringe ich meinen Urlaub am Meer.

Usually, I spend my vacation by the sea.

Adverbial phrase setting the context for the sentence.

4

Das Medikament hat die gewöhnlichen Nebenwirkungen.

The medicine has the usual side effects.

Plural accusative declension after definite article.

5

Er verhielt sich völlig gewöhnlich, als wäre nichts passiert.

He behaved completely normally, as if nothing had happened.

Adverb modifying the reflexive verb 'sich verhalten'.

6

Wir müssen den gewöhnlichen Weg nehmen, da die Straße gesperrt ist.

We have to take the usual route because the road is closed.

Masculine accusative with definite article ('den gewöhnlichen').

7

Ihre Reaktion war gewöhnlicher, als ich erwartet hatte.

Her reaction was more ordinary than I had expected.

Comparative form 'gewöhnlicher'.

8

Das ist kein gewöhnliches Problem, sondern ein sehr komplexes.

That is not an ordinary problem, but a very complex one.

Contrast using 'sondern'.

1

Trotz der Krise nahm das Leben wieder seinen gewöhnlichen Lauf.

Despite the crisis, life resumed its usual course.

Fixed expression 'seinen gewöhnlichen Lauf nehmen'.

2

Seine Ausdrucksweise empfand ich als äußerst gewöhnlich und unpassend.

I found his way of speaking extremely vulgar and inappropriate.

Using 'gewöhnlich' in its negative sense (vulgar/unrefined).

3

Es weicht stark von dem ab, was man gemeinhin als gewöhnlich betrachtet.

It deviates strongly from what is generally considered ordinary.

Complex sentence structure with 'was man... betrachtet'.

4

Für gewöhnlich hätte ich zugestimmt, aber in diesem Fall mache ich eine Ausnahme.

Usually I would have agreed, but in this case I am making an exception.

Use with Konjunktiv II (hätte zugestimmt).

5

Der Künstler versucht, das Gewöhnliche in einem neuen Licht darzustellen.

The artist tries to present the ordinary in a new light.

Nominalized adjective 'das Gewöhnliche'.

6

Solche Vorfälle sind hier leider an der Tagesordnung und völlig gewöhnlich.

Such incidents are unfortunately the order of the day here and completely common.

Combining with the idiom 'an der Tagesordnung'.

7

Sie hob sich durch ihre Intelligenz deutlich aus der gewöhnlichen Masse ab.

She stood out clearly from the ordinary crowd through her intelligence.

Dative feminine declension 'der gewöhnlichen Masse'.

8

Unter gewöhnlichen Umständen wäre das Projekt längst abgeschlossen.

Under normal circumstances, the project would have been completed long ago.

Dative plural declension 'gewöhnlichen Umständen'.

1

Der Autor bedient sich einer bewusst gewöhnlichen Sprache, um die Banalität des Bösen zu unterstreichen.

The author uses deliberately ordinary language to underscore the banality of evil.

Genitive feminine declension 'einer bewusst gewöhnlichen Sprache'.

2

Es zeugt von einer gewissen Arroganz, die Sorgen der Bürger als bloß gewöhnlich abzutun.

It shows a certain arrogance to dismiss the citizens' concerns as merely ordinary.

Infinitive clause with 'abzutun'.

3

Ihr gewöhnlicher Aufenthalt im Sinne des Steuerrechts befindet sich im Inland.

Her habitual residence in the sense of tax law is located domestically.

Legal terminology 'gewöhnlicher Aufenthalt'.

4

Die Faszination des Romans liegt in der minutiösen Beschreibung des vermeintlich Gewöhnlichen.

The fascination of the novel lies in the meticulous description of the supposedly ordinary.

Genitive of the nominalized adjective 'des vermeintlich Gewöhnlichen'.

5

Er verwechselte schlichte Eleganz mit gewöhnlicher Primitivität.

He confused simple elegance with vulgar primitiveness.

Dative feminine declension 'gewöhnlicher Primitivität'.

6

Fernab des gewöhnlichen Trubels fand sie endlich die gesuchte Ruhe.

Far away from the usual hustle and bustle, she finally found the peace she sought.

Genitive masculine declension 'des gewöhnlichen Trubels' after 'fernab'.

7

Das Design ist mir zu gewöhnlich; es fehlt ihm an jeglicher Raffinesse.

The design is too pedestrian for me; it lacks any sophistication.

'zu gewöhnlich' expressing a negative critique.

8

Man darf das Gewöhnliche nicht mit dem Bedeutungslosen gleichsetzen.

One must not equate the ordinary with the meaningless.

Nominalized adjectives used as abstract concepts.

1

In der Dialektik des Alltags offenbart sich das Gewöhnliche oft als das eigentlich Rätselhafte.

In the dialectic of everyday life, the ordinary often reveals itself as the truly enigmatic.

Philosophical register, nominalization.

2

Seine Tiraden waren von einer derart gewöhnlichen Natur, dass sie selbst seine treuesten Anhänger befremdeten.

His tirades were of such a vulgar nature that they alienated even his most loyal followers.

Genitive construction 'von einer derart gewöhnlichen Natur'.

3

Die Poesie vermag es, den Schleier der Gewohnheit zu lüften und das Gewöhnliche transzendent erscheinen zu lassen.

Poetry is capable of lifting the veil of habit and making the ordinary appear transcendent.

Complex syntax with 'vermag es' and infinitive clauses.

4

Es bedarf eines geschulten Auges, um die feinen Risse im scheinbar Gewöhnlichen zu erkennen.

It requires a trained eye to recognize the fine cracks in the seemingly ordinary.

Genitive 'bedarf eines geschulten Auges' and dative nominalization 'im scheinbar Gewöhnlichen'.

5

Die Jurisprudenz definiert den gewöhnlichen Aufenthalt anhand objektiver Kriterien der tatsächlichen Lebensführung.

Jurisprudence defines habitual residence based on objective criteria of actual lifestyle.

Highly formal legal register.

6

Er pflegte einen Habitus, der bewusst zwischen aristokratischer Distanz und gewöhnlicher Leutseligkeit changierte.

He cultivated a demeanor that deliberately oscillated between aristocratic distance and common affability.

Sophisticated vocabulary ('Habitus', 'changierte').

7

Die Kritik warf dem Regisseur vor, sich in gewöhnlichen Klischees zu suhlen, anstatt neue ästhetische Wege zu beschreiten.

The critics accused the director of wallowing in vulgar cliches instead of forging new aesthetic paths.

Idiomatic 'sich in etwas suhlen' with dative plural 'gewöhnlichen Klischees'.

8

Das Phänomen entzieht sich der gewöhnlichen Anschauung und erfordert ein radikales Umdenken.

The phenomenon eludes ordinary perception and requires a radical rethinking.

Dative feminine 'der gewöhnlichen Anschauung' after 'entzieht sich'.

Collocations courantes

ein gewöhnlicher Tag
für gewöhnlich
wie gewöhnlich
ein gewöhnlicher Mensch
außerhalb des Gewöhnlichen
der gewöhnliche Aufenthalt
nichts Gewöhnliches
größer als gewöhnlich
ein gewöhnlicher Fehler
völlig gewöhnlich

Phrases Courantes

wie gewöhnlich (as usual)

für gewöhnlich (usually)

nichts Ungewöhnliches (nothing unusual)

seinen gewöhnlichen Lauf nehmen (to take its usual course)

aus dem gewöhnlichen Rahmen fallen (to fall outside the ordinary scope)

ein ganz gewöhnlicher (a completely ordinary...)

über das Gewöhnliche hinaus (beyond the ordinary)

im gewöhnlichen Leben (in ordinary life)

zum gewöhnlichen Preis (at the regular price)

gewöhnlich gut unterrichtet (usually well-informed)

Souvent confondu avec

gewöhnlich vs normal

gewöhnlich vs üblich

gewöhnlich vs gewohnt

Expressions idiomatiques

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Facile à confondre

gewöhnlich vs

gewöhnlich vs

gewöhnlich vs

gewöhnlich vs

gewöhnlich vs

Structures de phrases

Comment l'utiliser

general

A highly versatile word essential for A2+ learners.

nuances

The shift from 'ordinary' to 'vulgar' is highly context-dependent. If applied to a person's character or language, it is almost always negative.

regional

Understood universally across German-speaking regions.

Erreurs courantes
  • Forgetting the adjective declension endings (e.g., saying 'ein gewöhnlich Tag' instead of 'ein gewöhnlicher Tag').
  • Failing to invert the subject and verb after starting a sentence with 'Für gewöhnlich'.
  • Using 'gewöhnlich' to describe medical or technical baselines instead of 'normal'.
  • Accidentally insulting someone by calling them 'gewöhnlich' (meaning vulgar) when intending to say they are 'normal'.
  • Misspelling the word by forgetting the 'h' (gewönlich) or the umlaut (gewohnlich).

Astuces

Adjective Endings

Always check the gender and case of the noun following 'gewöhnlich'. If it's 'der Tag', it's 'ein gewöhnlicher Tag'. If it's 'das Haus', it's 'ein gewöhnliches Haus'. Practice your declension tables. This is crucial for sounding fluent.

V2 Rule with 'Für gewöhnlich'

When you start a sentence with 'Für gewöhnlich', the verb must be the second element. 'Für gewöhnlich trinke ich...' NOT 'Für gewöhnlich ich trinke...'. This is a very common beginner mistake. Always invert subject and verb.

Synonym Variety

Don't just use 'gewöhnlich' all the time. Mix it up with 'normalerweise' (normally) or 'meistens' (mostly) when talking about frequency. Use 'alltäglich' (everyday) when talking about mundane things. Variety makes your German sound richer.

The Vulgar Connotation

Be very careful using 'gewöhnlich' to describe a person's character or actions. It can mean 'vulgar' or 'low-class'. If you want to say someone is a 'regular, nice guy', use 'ganz normal' or 'bodenständig' (down-to-earth).

Pronunciation of 'ö'

Take time to practice the long 'ö' sound. 'Ge-wöhn-lich'. If you mispronounce it, it might sound like a completely different word or just be hard to understand. Listen to native audio and mimic the lip rounding.

Structuring Arguments

In B2/C1 writing, use 'gewöhnlich' to set up a contrast. 'Während es gewöhnlich so ist, dass X, sehen wir hier Y.' (While it is usually the case that X, we see Y here). It's a great structural tool.

Catching the Adverb

In fast spoken German, 'für gewöhnlich' can sound mumbled. Listen for the rhythm. It often sets the context for the whole sentence. If you miss it, you might misunderstand the frequency of the action.

Learn 'wie gewöhnlich'

Memorize the phrase 'wie gewöhnlich' (as usual) as a single chunk of vocabulary. You don't need to think about grammar when using it. Just tack it onto the end of a sentence: 'Er ist spät dran, wie gewöhnlich.'

Don't forget the 'h'

The spelling is g-e-w-ö-h-n-l-i-c-h. The 'h' is a Dehnungs-h (lengthening h). It makes the 'ö' long. Many learners forget it and write 'gewönlich'. Write it out ten times to build muscle memory.

Nominalization

At higher levels, practice using it as a noun: 'das Gewöhnliche' (the ordinary). 'Er sucht das Besondere im Gewöhnlichen.' Remember to capitalize it and use adjective declension rules for the endings.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Imagine a 'GEese WON't LICK' ordinary things. Ge-wöhn-lich = ordinary.

Origine du mot

Middle High German 'gewonlich', Old High German 'giwonalih'.

Contexte culturel

In legal contexts, 'gewöhnlicher Aufenthalt' is a critical term determining which country's laws apply to a person.

In a business setting, 'gewöhnlich' or 'üblich' refers to standard operating procedures. Deviating from the 'gewöhnlichen Ablauf' often requires formal approval.

Germans often use 'wie gewöhnlich' when ordering at their favorite bakery or restaurant, signaling a valued routine.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"Was machst du für gewöhnlich am Wochenende?"

"Ist das ein gewöhnlicher Tag für dich?"

"Findest du dieses Wetter gewöhnlich für den Sommer?"

"Trinkst du deinen Kaffee wie gewöhnlich?"

"Was ist das Gewöhnlichste, das du heute gemacht hast?"

Sujets d'écriture

Beschreibe einen ganz gewöhnlichen Tag in deinem Leben.

Was ist für dich gewöhnlich, aber für andere ungewöhnlich?

Schreibe über etwas, das früher besonders war, aber jetzt gewöhnlich ist.

Wie entkommst du dem gewöhnlichen Alltag?

Ist es gut oder schlecht, ein gewöhnliches Leben zu führen?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

'Normal' refers to a standard, rule, or biological baseline. 'Gewöhnlich' refers to habit, frequency, or lack of special features. You have 'normal' blood pressure, but a 'gewöhnlicher' day. They overlap, but 'gewöhnlich' is more about routine. Normal is more about correctness. Use 'normal' for technical things.

The most common ways are 'für gewöhnlich', 'normalerweise', or 'meistens'. 'Für gewöhnlich' is very direct and formal. 'Normalerweise' is slightly more common in spoken German. You can also just use 'gewöhnlich' as an adverb: 'Ich lese gewöhnlich abends'.

Historically, things associated with the 'common' people were viewed as unrefined by the upper classes. Therefore, calling someone's behavior 'gewöhnlich' implies they lack class, manners, or sophistication. It translates closer to 'vulgar' or 'plebeian' in this context. Be careful when describing people!

Yes, if you use it before a noun (as an attributive adjective). For example, 'ein gewöhnlicher Tag' (masculine), 'eine gewöhnliche Frau' (feminine). If you use it as an adverb (describing a verb), it does not change: 'Er läuft gewöhnlich schnell'.

It translates directly to 'as usual'. It is a very common fixed phrase. You use it to indicate that something is happening exactly as it normally does. For example, 'Er kam zu spät, wie gewöhnlich' (He arrived late, as usual).

Yes, 'ordinary' is one of the best English translations for 'gewöhnlich' when it is used as an adjective. 'An ordinary book' is 'ein gewöhnliches Buch'. It means it is standard and not special. Just remember the negative connotation it can sometimes have.

The direct opposite is 'ungewöhnlich' (unusual). You can also use 'außergewöhnlich' (extraordinary) or 'besonders' (special). Do not say 'nicht gewöhnlich' if you can use 'ungewöhnlich', as the latter sounds much more natural.

Yes, etymologically. 'Wohnen' means to dwell or live. 'Gewohnheit' is a habit (something you live with). 'Gewöhnlich' describes things that are habitual. They all share the same ancient Germanic root relating to being accustomed to a place or practice.

The 'ö' is a long vowel here because of the following 'h'. Shape your lips like you are going to say 'o', but try to say 'e' (like in 'bed'). Keep the sound long. The 'h' is silent. The 'ch' at the end is the soft 'ich' sound.

This is a specific legal term in German law. It translates to 'habitual residence'. It is used to determine which country's or state's laws apply to a person, for example, in tax law or family law. It means the place where a person normally lives.

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