Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| allgemein | /ˌalɡəˈmaɪ̯n/ /ˈalɡəˌmaɪ̯n/ |
| generell | [ɡenəˈʁɛl] (narrow) |
When you want to describe something that is involving every part or member, rather than being specific or particular, you use these terms. allgemein is used for things that are universal, widespread or common to a whole group, such as 'general education'. generell is more frequently used as an adverb to mean 'generally speaking' or 'as a rule'.
Which one should you use?
allgemein is used for things that are universal, widespread or common to a whole group. generell is more frequently used as an adverb to mean 'generally speaking' or 'as a rule' rather than as a descriptive adjective. Additionally, note that the capitalized noun General refers specifically to the military rank, whereas the lowercase allgemein or generell refers to the adjective 'general'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To say 'in general' or 'generally' when qualifying a statement or starting a sentence, the standard idiomatic expression is im Allgemeinen.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌalɡəˈmaɪ̯n/
Did you know?
- The word gemein, which forms the root of allgemein, has a double meaning. While it can mean 'common' or 'general', in modern everyday German it is most frequently used to mean 'mean' or 'spiteful'.
- While 'general' in English can refer to a general practitioner (GP), German uses Hausarzt, which literally means 'house doctor', rather than a 'general doctor'.
- While allgemein describes things that are widespread, using it to describe a person's character might suggest they are 'common' or 'ordinary' in a dismissive way.
Examples in context
- Das war die allgemeine Meinung.It was the general opinion.This sentence shows how to use allgemein to describe a general opinion.Tatoeba #2297183 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2267403 by _undertoad
- Im Allgemeinen mögen Kinder Eis.In general, kids like ice cream.This sentence demonstrates the use of the idiom im Allgemeinen to mean 'in general'.Tatoeba #5152101 by dispy, translation #5151939 by AlanF_US
- Generell mag ich chinesisches Essen.I like Chinese food in general.This sentence illustrates the use of generell as an adverb meaning 'in general'.Tatoeba #882816 by Esperantostern, translation #21795 by gin
- Generell kann man sagen…Generally speaking…
- Die allgemeine SituationThe general situation or the overall situation
- Das ist in der Geschäftswelt üblichThat is common in the business world
- In der Regel gehe ich um 10 Uhr schlafenI usually go to bed at 10 o'clock
- Generell würde ich sagen, dass Sport wichtig für die Gesundheit ist.Generally speaking, I would say that sports are important for one's health.
- Die allgemeine Meinung ist, dass Bildung der Schlüssel zum Erfolg ist.The general opinion is that education is the key to success.
- Im Großen und Ganzen war der Film sehr unterhaltsam.In general, the movie was very entertaining.
- 54 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Maximilian are discussing a new rule at their office.
- JuliaGilt diese Regel für alle?Does this rule apply to everyone?
- MaximilianJa, das ist eine allgemeine Regel.Yes, it is a general rule.
- JuliaDankeschön für die Erklärung, Maximilian.Thank you for the explanation, Maximilian.
- MaximilianGerne geschehen, Julia.You're welcome, Julia.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “general” translations and entries allgemein, generell, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
