gewöhnlich
/ɡəˈvøːnlɪç/
The English phrase "usually" is translated into German as gewöhnlich.
gewöhnlich is used to describe something that happens most of the time.
Meaning: most of the time (adv)
Which one should you use?
While gewöhnlich can function as an adverb meaning "usually", it also serves as an adjective meaning "ordinary" or "usual".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In southern Germany and parts of Austria, the term normal is commonly used instead of normalerweise to express the idea of "usually".
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡəˈvøːnlɪç/
Did you know?
- Using gewöhnlich to describe a person can be a subtle insult, implying they are 'ordinary' or 'unremarkable' rather than just 'usual'.
- The word gewöhnlich shares its root with gewöhnen, which means 'to get used to' or 'to accustom'.
- In formal German writing, gewöhnlich is often placed at the start of a sentence to establish a general rule before introducing an exception.
Examples in context
- Wen wählst du gewöhnlich?Who do you usually vote for?This sentence is useful for asking about voting habits with gewöhnlich.Tatoeba #12188678 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #12118991 by sundown
- Was isst du für gewöhnlich?What kind of food do you usually eat?This sentence is useful for asking about dietary habits with gewöhnlich.Tatoeba #4049255 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #4049102 by CK
- Reist du gewöhnlich allein?Do you usually travel alone?This sentence is useful for asking about travel habits with gewöhnlich.Tatoeba #8147267 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2208502 by CK
- Normalerweise trinke ich morgens Kaffee.Usually, I drink coffee in the mornings.
- In der Regel finden die Meetings dienstags statt.Usually, the meetings take place on Tuesdays.
- Gewöhnlich arbeite ich bis 18 Uhr.Usually, I work until 6 p.m.
- Meistens gehe ich am Wochenende ins Kino.Usually, I go to the cinema on weekends.
- Oft nehme ich den Bus zur Arbeit.Usually, I take the bus to work.
- Häufig sehe ich meine Freunde am Wochenende.Usually, I see my friends on weekends.
- 655 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Maximilian are talking about their morning routines.
- LauraTrinkst du morgens immer Kaffee?Do you always drink coffee in the morning?
- MaximilianNein, ich trinke gewöhnlich einen Tee.No, I usually drink a tea.
- LauraIst das gesünder als Kaffee?Is that healthier than coffee?
- MaximilianDas glaube ich schon, Laura.I believe so, Laura.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “usually” translations and entries gewöhnlich, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
