Allgemeines

Allgemeines is a German noun derived from the adjective allgemein, meaning general or universal. In standard usage, das Allgemeine denotes the general information or the general aspect of a subject. The term is most commonly encountered as a nominalized form used in formal writing, often appearing as a section heading or label to indicate introductory material about a topic. For example, a reference work or a data sheet may begin with “Allgemeines” to present basic facts such as name, origin, and broad characteristics before proceeding to more specific sections.

Grammatically, Allgemeines functions as a neuter noun and is declined like other nominalized adjectives: das Allgemeine (nominative/accusative), des Allgemeinen (genitive), dem Allgemeinen (dative). In everyday language, however, the phrase im Allgemeinen is used to mean “in general” or “generally speaking,” rather than the noun form, and is far more common in running text than any standalone use of das Allgemeine.

Semantically, the term can refer to the general concept (the generalities) as opposed to particular details, or to general information about a subject. It is distinct from Allgemeinheit, which emphasizes the quality of being general, and from Allgemein (adjective) when used attributively.

See also: Allgemeines, das Allgemeine, im Allgemeinen, Allgemeinheit, Allgemein