German word

generell

Pronunciation

IPA/genəˈʁɛl/

Meaning

  • adverbgenerally

Example

Das ist generell richtig.

That is generally true.

Illustration for generell (generally)

More examples

generell betrachtet ist diese Regel nützlich.

In general terms, this rule is useful.

Core concept

A single description applies across a field of cases without claiming that every detail is identical.

Common phrases

  • generell betrachtet

    in general terms

  • generell falsch

    generally incorrect

Similar words

normalerweise: Describes the usual state or what commonly happens.
meistens: Describes what is true in the great majority of cases.
häufig: Indicates a high frequency of occurrence.
in der Regel: Describes what normally applies according to common practice.

Definition in German

In den meisten Fällen zutreffend; als Adverb gebraucht, um eine Aussage zu verallgemeinern.

Word origin

Generell is a Romance-derived borrowing whose ultimate source is Latin generalis, meaning common to a group or whole.

Usage tips

  • As an adverb, generell stays unchanged, while the related adjective takes endings before nouns, as in eine generelle Regel.

Other meanings

  • overalladverb
  • in principleadverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word