typisch
/ˈtyːpɪʃ/
The English word 'typical' is translated into German as typisch. Wiktionary also lists gewöhnlich.
Meaning: normal, to be expected (adj)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| typisch | /ˈtyːpɪʃ/ |
| gewöhnlich | /ɡəˈvøːnlɪç/ |
The word 'typical' is used to express that something is normal or to be expected. To express the adverb 'typically' (for example, 'typically, people do X'), use the form typischerweise.
Which one should you use?
While both typisch and gewöhnlich can be translated as 'typical', typisch often implies a characteristic pattern or a defining trait of a person or group. In contrast, gewöhnlich leans more towards the sense of something being 'usual' or 'ordinary' in terms of frequency or time.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, typisch takes standard inflectional endings based on the gender, case and number of the noun it modifies, such as in ein typischer Fehler.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtyːpɪʃ/
Did you know?
- The word typisch shares the same root as the English word 'type', coming from the Greek typos meaning an 'impression' or 'stamp'.
- In some contexts, gewöhnlich can be a polite way to say something is 'plain' or 'unremarkable', moving beyond the meaning of 'typical' to imply a lack of luxury.
- German has a specific noun das Typische, which allows speakers to treat the concept of 'the typical' as a thing, such as saying 'That is the typical thing about this city'.
Examples in context
- Das ist recht typisch.That's pretty typical.This sentence shows how to use typisch to say something is pretty typical.Tatoeba #10133395 by wolfgangth, translation #5770739 by CK
- Tom ist ein typischer Ami.Tom is a typical 'Murican.This sentence uses typisch to describe a typical 'Murican.Tatoeba #10795480 by toivo, translation #8359038 by soliloquist
- Das ist wieder mal typisch!Isn't that just typical!This sentence uses typisch to express when something is typical.Tatoeba #1239754 by Esperantostern, translation #11828516 by sundown
- Es ist gewöhnlich, dass deutsche Pünktlichkeit hoch geschätzt wirdIt is typical that German punctuality is highly valued.
- Es ist üblich, beim Betreten einer Wohnung die Schuhe auszuziehenIt is typical to take off your shoes when entering someone's apartment.
- Eine Bratwurst ist ein klassisches deutsches GerichtA bratwurst is a typical German dish.
- Normalerweise gehe ich um zehn Uhr schlafenTypically, I go to bed at 10 o'clock.
- Der Bus ist zu spät, wie immerThe bus is late, as always.
- Ein kleines bisschen Stress vor einer Prüfung ist ganz normalA little bit of stress before an exam is quite typical.
- Es ist typisch, dass deutsche Schulen viel Wert auf Bildung legenIt is typical for German schools to place a high value on education.
- Typisch Deutsch, dass wir uns immer pünktlich treffenTypical German, that we always meet on time.
- 59 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Sarah are talking about their friend's late arrival.
- LukasEr kommt mal wieder zu spät.He is late once again.
- SarahDas ist wirklich typisch für ihn.That is really typical of him.
- LukasJa, das ist völlig normal bei ihm.Yes, that is completely normal with him.
- SarahWir sollten einfach auf ihn warten.We should just wait for him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “typical” translations and entries typisch, gewöhnlich, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
