gemein

Gemein is a German adjective with two principal senses that are historically connected by the idea of belonging to or affecting a group. In its primary sense, gemein means common or shared: for example, gemeinsame Interessen (shared interests), das gemeinsame Projekt (the joint project), or das Gemeinsame (the thing that is common to all). It is frequently used in compounds and phrases to denote something that concerns or belongs to a group as a whole, such as gemeinschaftlich (collective, communal) or das Gemeinwesen (the public sphere or municipality).

In a second sense, gemein means mean, nasty, or cruel. This usage describes a person or an action that is morally repugnant or unfair. It is common in everyday speech, as in Du bist gemein! (You are mean!) or Das war eine gemeine Lüge (That was a nasty lie). This sense carries a stronger negative judgment than merely unfriendly and is more colloquial.

Etymology and related forms: gemein comes from Old High German and corresponds to Germanic roots meaning shared or common. It has cognates in other Germanic languages, such as Dutch gemeen. The root yields a family of related terms in German, including gemeinsam (together, jointly), Gemeinschaft (community), and Gemeinwesen (public life or municipality). The adjective’s meaning can be distinguished by context: the shared or collective sense in neutral or formal contexts, and the moral sense in informal, evaluative use.

Usage notes: In formal writing, prefer neutral or formal constructions like gemeinsam or das Gemeinsame. When using gemein to describe people or behavior, be aware that the mean sense is informal and potentially confrontational.