Alltags-
The English phrase 'everyday' can be expressed in German as Alltags- or alltäglich.
Meaning: appropriate for ordinary use, rather than for special occasions (adj)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| Alltags- | |
| alltäglich | /alˈtɛːklɪç/ /alˈteːklɪç/ |
These terms are used to describe things that are appropriate for ordinary use rather than for special occasions.
What does it mean word for word?
The root of these forms is the noun Alltag, which means 'everyday life' or 'daily routine'.
Which one should you use?
The word alltäglich describes something as being ordinary or everyday. This is different from the German word täglich, which refers to the frequency of an event, meaning 'daily' (for example, a daily newspaper).
How does it change in a sentence?
Alltags- is a combining form used as a prefix to create compound nouns, such as Alltagsmode (everyday fashion).
Did you know?
- While 'alltäglich' means 'everyday', using it to describe a person can be a subtle insult. In certain contexts, calling someone's behavior 'alltäglich' suggests they are predictable, uninspired or completely unremarkable.
- If you want to talk about 'everyday life' as a concept, Germans often use the word 'Lebenswelt' in sociological contexts. This suggests the 'everyday' is not just a routine, but the entire world one inhabits.
- In German, 'Alltag' can sometimes be used pejoratively to describe the 'drudgery' or the 'grind' of life. To many, 'der Alltag' is not just a routine, but a burden of repetitive tasks.
Examples in context
- Fernsehen spielt eine wichtige Rolle im alltäglichen Leben.TV plays an important part in everyday life.This sentence shows how to use the form alltäglich to describe life.Tatoeba #9756830 by Yorwba, translation #39189 by CK
- Man muss kein Künstler sein, um das Schöne im Alltäglichen sehen zu können.You do not have to be an artist in order to see the beauty in everyday things.This sentence uses the form Alltäglichen to refer to everyday things.Tatoeba #2398412 by al_ex_an_der, translation #5611511 by joshodude_1308
- Man muss kein Künstler sein, um die Schönheit des Alltäglichen zu entdecken.You don't have to be an artist to find the beauty in everyday life.Tatoeba #2409342 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3232521 by patgfisher
- Tag für Tag bemühen wir uns, unseren Kunden den besten Service zu bieten.Day by day, we strive to provide our customers with the best service.
- Die Aufgaben, die Sie täglich erledigen, sind sehr wichtig für den reibungslosen Ablauf des Projekts.The tasks you complete every day are crucial for the smooth running of the project.
- Jeden Tag treffe ich mich mit Freunden im Park und wir spielen Fußball.Every day, I meet up with friends in the park, and we play soccer.
- Immer trinke ich morgens eine Tasse Kaffee, um gut in den Tag zu starten.I always have a cup of coffee in the morning to start the day off right.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Felix are discussing what to wear to a casual dinner.
- HannahSoll ich mir ein schickes Kleid anziehen?Should I put on a fancy dress?
- FelixNein, Alltags-Kleidung reicht für heute völlig aus.No, everyday clothes are completely enough for today.
- HannahDann nehme ich einfach meine Jeans.Then I'll just take my jeans.
- FelixDas ist perfekt, Hannah.That is perfect, Hannah.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “everyday” translations and entries alltäglich, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
