Dictionary
English - German

Common

ˈkɑmən
Extremely common
500 - 600
500 - 600
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

gewöhnlich, üblich, gemeinsam, gewöhnlich

Common meanings in German

gewöhnlich

Example:
It's a common practice in this culture.
Es ist eine allgemeine Praxis in dieser Kultur.
Common sense tells us to be cautious.
Der gesunde Menschenverstand sagt uns, vorsichtig zu sein.
Usage: formalContext: General situations where something is typical or usual
Note: This meaning of 'common' is used to describe something that is ordinary or prevalent.

üblich

Example:
It's common for Germans to drink beer with their meals.
Es ist üblich, dass Deutsche Bier zu ihren Mahlzeiten trinken.
Common courtesy dictates that we say 'please' and 'thank you'.
Die allgemeine Höflichkeit verlangt, dass wir 'bitte' und 'danke' sagen.
Usage: formalContext: Referring to customs, practices, or behaviors that are widely accepted
Note: This usage of 'common' emphasizes traditions or norms that are generally followed.

gemeinsam

Example:
We have a common goal to improve the environment.
Wir haben ein gemeinsames Ziel, die Umwelt zu verbessern.
We share a common interest in music.
Wir teilen ein gemeinsames Interesse an Musik.
Usage: formalContext: Referring to something shared or mutual among a group of people
Note: This meaning of 'common' indicates a shared characteristic or purpose.

gewöhnlich

Example:
She's a common sight in this neighborhood.
Sie ist ein gewohnter Anblick in dieser Nachbarschaft.
Common knowledge suggests that smoking is harmful.
Es ist allgemein bekannt, dass Rauchen schädlich ist.
Usage: informalContext: Referring to something that is widely known or seen
Note: In this context, 'common' is used to describe something that is familiar or generally understood.

Common's synonyms

ordinary

Ordinary means something that is not special or unique, similar to common but may imply a lack of distinction.
Example: It's just an ordinary day at work.
Note: Ordinary can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation compared to common.

typical

Typical refers to something that is characteristic or representative of a particular kind, similar to common in the sense of being usual or expected.
Example: This is a typical example of his work.
Note: Typical emphasizes the idea of being a standard or usual example.

frequent

Frequent means happening or occurring at short intervals, similar to common but focusing on the regularity of something.
Example: He makes frequent trips to the city.
Note: Frequent emphasizes the repeated nature of occurrence.

widespread

Widespread means existing or happening over a large area or among many people, similar to common in the sense of being prevalent.
Example: The disease is widespread in the region.
Note: Widespread emphasizes the extensive distribution or occurrence.

usual

Usual refers to something that is habitual, customary, or expected, similar to common in the sense of being what is typically done or encountered.
Example: My usual route to work was blocked.
Note: Usual emphasizes the idea of being what is commonly or normally expected.

Common expressions, common phrases

Common knowledge

Information or facts that are widely known and accepted by most people.
Example: It's common knowledge that the sun rises in the east.
Note: This phrase emphasizes the widespread acceptance and familiarity of the information.

Common sense

Practical judgment based on experience and reasoning that is shared by many people.
Example: Using common sense, she decided not to go out in the pouring rain without an umbrella.
Note: Common sense refers to practical wisdom and judgment rather than mere prevalence.

Common ground

Shared beliefs, interests, or opinions that provide a basis for mutual understanding or agreement.
Example: Despite their differences, they found common ground on the need for environmental protection.
Note: Common ground emphasizes the shared aspects that can unite people despite their differences.

In common

Something shared or mutually possessed by two or more people.
Example: They discovered they had a love for hiking in common.
Note: This phrase highlights the shared possession or attribute among individuals.

Common courtesy

Polite behavior and manners that are considered standard in social interactions.
Example: It's just common courtesy to hold the door open for the person behind you.
Note: Common courtesy refers to expected politeness in social situations rather than its prevalence.

Common practice

A behavior or action that is widely accepted and followed as customary or standard.
Example: In many cultures, it's a common practice to bow as a sign of respect.
Note: Common practice emphasizes the customary nature of the behavior rather than its frequency.

Common thread

A recurring theme, idea, or characteristic that is present in different situations or contexts.
Example: The common thread in all her stories is the theme of redemption.
Note: Common thread refers to a unifying element connecting disparate things rather than their prevalence.

Common cause

A shared goal, purpose, or objective that unites individuals or groups in working towards a common aim.
Example: They joined forces in a common cause to fight against poverty in their community.
Note: Common cause emphasizes the unity in pursuing a shared goal rather than its frequency.

Common everyday (slang) expressions

Run-of-the-mill

Used to describe something ordinary, average, or unexceptional.
Example: The job was just another run-of-the-mill office position.
Note: The slang term 'run-of-the-mill' is more informal and casual compared to the formal word 'common.'

Dime a dozen

Refers to something common and easily available, often without much value.
Example: Those cheap sunglasses are a dime a dozen at the mall.
Note: The slang term 'dime a dozen' emphasizes the abundance and lack of uniqueness compared to the word 'common.'

Two a penny

Derives from 'a penny for two' and means something very common and of little value.
Example: Those trinkets are two a penny in that store.
Note: The slang term 'two a penny' highlights the commonness and low worth compared to the original word 'common.'

As common as muck

Used to describe something extremely common or widespread.
Example: The gossip about him is as common as muck around here.
Note: The slang term 'as common as muck' adds a colloquial flair and emphasizes the ubiquity of something compared to 'common.'

Plain-Jane

Describes something or someone simple, basic, or unremarkable.
Example: She always goes for the plain-Jane options when shopping.
Note: The slang term 'plain-Jane' conveys a more informal and sometimes slightly derogatory tone compared to 'common.'

Ten a penny

Means something very common, abundant, and easily obtainable.
Example: Those knockoff bags are ten a penny on the streets.
Note: The slang term 'ten a penny' emphasizes the sheer number and availability of something compared to 'common.'

Bog-standard

Describes something very ordinary, basic, or unremarkable.
Example: It's just a bog-standard printer, nothing special.
Note: The slang term 'bog-standard' carries a more informal and perhaps slightly dismissive tone compared to 'common.'

Common - Examples

Common sense is not so common.
Gesunder Menschenverstand ist nicht so verbreitet.
It's common knowledge that smoking is bad for your health.
Es ist allgemein bekannt, dass Rauchen schlecht für die Gesundheit ist.
The common cold is a viral infection.
Die gewöhnliche Erkältung ist eine Virusinfektion.

Common grammar

Common - Adjective (Adjective) / Adjective (Adjective)
Lemma: common
Conjugations
Adjective, comparative (Adjective, comparative): commoner
Adjective, superlative (Adjective, superlative): commonest
Adjective (Adjective): common
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): commons
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): common
Syllables, Separation and Stress
common Contains 2 syllables: com • mon
Phonetic transcription: ˈkä-mən
com mon , ˈkä mən (The red syllable is stressed)

Common - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
common: 500 - 600 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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