How to Say “Common” in German

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häufig
[ˈhɔɪ̯.fɪç]
The English word common can be translated into German in several ways depending on the context. The default form is häufig. Wiktionary also lists nicht ungewöhnlich and gewöhnlich.
Meaning: found in large numbers or in a large quantity (adj)

Ways to say it

“common” in German
German IPA
häufig [ˈhɔɪ̯.fɪç] (narrow)
[ˈhɔɪ̯.fɪk] (narrow)
nicht ungewöhnlich /nɪçt ˈʊnɡəˌvøːnlɪç/ (word by word)
gewöhnlich /ɡəˈvøːnlɪç/
verbreitet

In German, the translation of common depends on whether you are referring to frequency, distribution or a sense of normality. For example, if you want to describe something that occurs often, you use häufig. If you mean something is widespread across a population or area, you use verbreitet. If you mean something is normal or standard, you use gewöhnlich.

Which one should you use?

The different forms serve distinct purposes. Use häufig to emphasize frequency, or how often an event occurs. Use verbreitet to describe something that is widespread or prevalent across a wide area or population. Use gewöhnlich to describe something as being ordinary, standard or unexceptional. Finally, nicht ungewöhnlich is a litotes, a way of saying something is common by stating it is 'not unusual', which is often used to sound more objective or understated.

Related words

Mutual good (noun): Gemeingut.

Tract of land (noun): Allmende.

What mistakes should you avoid?

Do not use gemeinsam to mean common in the sense of 'common interests' or 'shared' qualities. Although it may look similar to the English concept, gemeinsam actually means 'together' or 'jointly'.

Did you know?

  • If you describe someone as gewöhnlich, you might accidentally insult them by implying they are boring or mediocre rather than just 'normal'.
  • While English uses 'common' for both 'frequent' and 'shared', German splits these entirely. If you use gemeinsam to describe a 'common' cold, a German speaker will think you are sharing one single cold with someone else.
  • The German word nicht comes from an ancient combination of nio, meaning 'never', and wiht, meaning 'creature' or 'being'.

Examples in context

  • Tom ist ein verbreiteter Name.
    Tom is a common name.
    This sentence shows how to use verbreitet to describe a common name.
    Tatoeba #3614845 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3413332 by CK
  • Es ist jetzt ziemlich verbreitet.
    It's now fairly common.
    This sentence uses verbreitet to indicate that something is currently common.
    Tatoeba #1721541 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1721129 by Spamster
  • Das sind häufige Kinderkrankheiten.
    These are common diseases of children.
    This sentence uses häufig to describe common diseases.
    Tatoeba #10140382 by Yorwba, translation #55028 by CM
  • Der Kaffee ist ein gängiges Getränk in Deutschland.
    Coffee is a common drink in Germany.
  • Es ist allgemein bekannt, dass Sport gut für die Gesundheit ist.
    It is commonly known that exercise is good for health.
  • Die Veranstaltung fand in einem gewöhnlichen Konferenzraum statt.
    The event took place in an ordinary conference room.
  • Es ist üblich, Geschäftspartner mit einem festlichen Abendessen zu begrüßen.
    It is customary to welcome business partners with a festive dinner.
  • Das ist doch ganz normal, dass man Fehler macht.
    It's quite common to make mistakes.
  • Übrigens, das Wetter hier ist oft wechselhaft.
    By the way, the weather here is often unpredictable.
  • Das ist ein alltägliches Phänomen, dem wir oft begegnen.
    This is a common phenomenon we encounter frequently.
  • Ich fahre gewöhnlich mit dem Fahrrad zur Arbeit.
    I usually ride my bike to work.
  • Das ist umgangssprachlich ein geläufiger Ausdruck für dieses Phänomen.
    This is a common expression for this phenomenon in everyday language.
  • In dieser Gegend ist es gebräuchlich, frühmorgens frisches Brot zu kaufen.
    In this area, it is common to buy fresh bread early in the morning.
  • 70 more sentences on Tatoeba

Example conversation

Lukas and Sarah are discussing typical weather in their city.

  1. Lukas

    Regnet es hier oft?
    Does it rain often here?
  2. Sarah

    Ja, Regen ist im Herbst sehr häufig.
    Yes, rain is very common in autumn.
  3. Lukas

    Das ist ja schade.
    That is a pity.
  4. Sarah

    Man gewöhnt sich schnell daran.
    You get used to it quickly.

Sources

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Brandon Thomas
Brandon ThomasHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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