ungewöhnlich
/ˈʊnɡəˌvøːnlɪç/
The English word 'unusual' can be translated into German as ungewöhnlich. Wiktionary also lists unüblich and ungebräuchlich.
Meaning: not usual (adj)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| ungewöhnlich | /ˈʊnɡəˌvøːnlɪç/ |
| unüblich | |
| ungebräuchlich | /ˈʊnɡəˌbʁɔɪ̯çlɪç/ |
Use ungewöhnlich to describe things that are out of the ordinary or remarkable, often describing people, events or qualities. Use unüblich for things that deviate from a standard practice, custom or habit, such as a way of doing things. Use ungebräuchlich for things that are no longer in common use, such as words, tools or methods.
Which one should you use?
ungewöhnlich is used for things that are out of the ordinary or remarkable. unüblich is used for things that deviate from a standard practice, custom or habit. ungebräuchlich is used for things that are no longer in common use.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʊnɡəˌvøːnlɪç/
Did you know?
- While English uses 'unusual' for almost anything, German speakers often switch to seltsam if the unusual thing feels strange or eerie. Using ungewöhnlich stays much more objective and polite.
- To describe something as 'exceptionally' unusual, Germans often use außergewöhnlich, which literally means 'outside of the ordinary'.
- The term ungebräuchlich shares a root with the word Brauch, which means 'custom' or 'tradition'. This makes the word feel much more heavy and historical than the English 'unusual'.
Examples in context
- Es ist nicht unüblich.That's not unusual.This sentence shows how to use the term unüblich in a negative context.Tatoeba #9970750 by giefingl, translation #2251168 by CK
- Du bist sehr ungewöhnlich.You're very unusual.This sentence demonstrates the use of ungewöhnlich to describe a person.Tatoeba #8966321 by wolfgangth, translation #7538406 by CK
- Das ist recht ungewöhnlich.It's pretty unusual.This sentence shows how to use ungewöhnlich to describe a situation or thing.Tatoeba #2295757 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2249184 by CK
- Du siehst heute ungewöhnlich aus.You look unusual today.
- Was für eine komische/seltsame/gewöhnungsbedürftige Idee!What a strange idea!
- Das ist ein außergewöhnlich interessantes Buch.That's an exceptionally interesting book.
- Das ist ja nicht von schlechten Eltern!That's no ordinary achievement!
- 117 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Hannah are looking at a strange piece of modern art in a gallery.
- MaximilianDieses Bild sieht wirklich ungewöhnlich aus.This painting looks really unusual.
- HannahJa, die Farben sind sehr seltsam.Yes, the colors are very strange.
- MaximilianFindest du das gut, Hannah?Do you like that, Hannah?
- HannahIch weiß nicht, es ist mir zu viel.I don't know, it's too much for me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “unusual” translations and entries ungewöhnlich, unüblich, ungebräuchlich, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
