Gewöhnlich

Gewöhnlich is a German adjective meaning ordinary, usual, customary, or habitual. It describes things that are common or typical, or a person’s behavior that is habitual. The word can also function as an adverb meaning usually, for example: Er kommt gewöhnlich pünktlich.

Etymology and related forms: The term derives from Gewohnung (habit, custom) and is related to gewöhnt (accustomed) and Gewohnheit. Historically, it appears in Middle and Old High German as gewönnlîh, connected to the broader Germanic word family for habit and customary practice.

Usage and nuance: Gewöhnlich emphasizes typicality within a given context rather than a formal standard. It is common in both spoken and written German and can be contrasted with normal (standard) and üblich (customary practice). Alltäglich is closer to “everyday” rather than to something that is merely typical.

Examples: Das ist gewöhnlich der Fall. (That is usually the case.) Er trägt gewöhnliche Kleidung. (He wears ordinary clothes.) Sie kommt gewöhnlich früh an. (She usually arrives early.)

See also: Gewohnheit, Gewöhnung, gewöhnt.