herkömmlicher

Herkömmlicher is a German adjective meaning conventional, customary, or traditional. It describes practices, methods, objects, or norms that have been established by tradition rather than developed recently or in a novel way. The term is commonly used in discussions about technology, industry, social norms, or everyday procedures to contrast what is widely accepted with newer approaches.

As the comparative form of herkömmlich, herkömmlicher denotes a higher degree of conventionality relative to another option. In attributive position the endings match the noun’s gender and case: ein herkömmlicher Brauch, eine herkömmliche Vorgehensweise, ein herkömmliches Produkt. The corresponding comparative forms are herkömmlicher (masculine), herkömmlichere (feminine or plural), and herkömmlicheres (neuter or neuter plural, depending on usage). An example is: Der herkömmliche Weg ist oft langsamer, dafür zuverlässiger.

Etymologically, herkömmlich is formed with the prefix her- and the adjective kömmlich, an older term meaning customary or usual. The word has been part of standard German for several centuries and is used across dialects and registers, though outside technical or formal contexts its nuance can carry a slightly negative connotation of being outdated or resistant to change.

Usage and nuance: herkömmlich is often used to indicate contrast with modern, innovative, or experimental alternatives. While typically neutral, it can imply a preference for established practices depending on tone and context. Related terms include konventionell, traditionell, üblich, and standard; antonyms include modern, innovativ, and unkonventionell. The noun form is Herkömmlichkeit, referring to conventionality or traditional character.