Allgemeiner

Allgemeiner is a German word that primarily functions as the comparative form of the adjective allgemein, meaning general or common. In everyday use it expresses a higher degree of generality, as in ein allgemeiner Begriff (a general term) or ein allgemeinerer Begriff (a more general term). The term can also occur as a nominalized form in certain fixed expressions or historical names, in which case it is capitalized, though this usage is limited.

Etymology and meaning: allgemein derives from all- (all) and gemein (common). The sense of something being shared or applicable to all gave rise to meanings such as general, broad, or non-specific. The comparative form, meaning “more general,” is allgemein er in standard spelling, typically written as allgemein er in running text, and the superlative is am allgemeinsten.

Usage and examples: Allgemeiner appears frequently in phrases describing general information, general concepts, or broad tendencies, such as allgemeine Informationen, allgemeine Merkmale, or allgemeiner Konsens (general consensus). It contrasts with spezifisch (specific) or particular, highlighting a non-particular, broad scope. In many cases, the base form is used in attributive position before a noun (die allgemeinen Informationen, ein allgemeiner Begriff).

Declension note: As with other German adjectives, allgemeiner changes its ending according to gender, number, and case when used attributively (for example, der allgemeine Begriff, eine allgemeine Idee, allgemeine Informationen). The standard comparative and superlative forms are allgemein er (more general) and am allgemeinsten (most general).

See also: allgemein, Allgemeinbildung, general terms.