Typisch

Typisch is a German adjective and adverb meaning characteristic of a type or usual for a given person, thing, or situation. As an adjective it can modify nouns: “eine typische Eigenschaft” (a typical characteristic) or “ein typischer Fehler” (a typical mistake). As an adverb it appears in sentences such as “Das ist typisch für ihn” or “Er ist typisch deutsch.” The phrase “typisch für” is used to express that something is representative of or characteristic for someone or something.

Etymology: Typisch derives from Typ (type) with the adjectival suffix -isch, forming “typisch” meaning “of the type” or “characteristic.” The word is cognate with Dutch typisch and English typical, and relates to terms such as Typus, Typologie and Typisierung in German.

Usage: Typisch can carry a neutral descriptive sense or carry evaluative nuance, depending on context. It can express admiration for a feature that is genuinely representative, or it can convey cliché or stereotype, as in “typisch Deutsch” or ironic “Typisch!” when expectations are unmet.

Related phrases: “typisch für X” indicates features that are typical of X; “typisch” can also describe recurring patterns or behaviors in literature or sociological discussions.

In modern usage across German-speaking regions, typisch is common in everyday speech, journalism, and writing. The word is generally unmarked in form and does not require capitalization when used as an adjective or adverb; nouns such as Typ or Typus are capitalized.