ALLGEMEINEN Meaning and
Definition
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"allgemeinen" is a German adjective that translates to "general" or "common" in English. It is derived from the noun "Allgemeinheit," meaning "general public" or "populace." This term is used to describe something that pertains to or applies to a wide range of individuals or situations, without specific or special conditions or circumstances.
In a general context, "allgemeinen" refers to something that is widespread or widely accepted. It implies a lack of specificity or limitation and suggests universality. For example, "Gesetze für die allgemeinen Interessen" translates to "laws for general interests," indicating regulations that apply to the broader public.
It can also denote a general description or overview of a topic or concept. For instance, "In diesem Kapitel findet sich eine allgemeine Einführung" translates to "This chapter contains a general introduction." Here, "allgemeinen" emphasizes that the introduction provides a broad overview without delving into specific details.
Furthermore, "allgemeinen" can imply a collective understanding or common knowledge shared by a majority or a community. For instance, "allgemeinen Kenntnisse der Sprache" translates to "general knowledge of the language,” suggesting an expected level of familiarity with the language that most people possess.
In summary, "allgemeinen" is a German adjective that describes something as general, common, or universal, lacking specificity or limitations. It pertains to a wide range of individuals or situations, and can also imply a collective understanding or shared knowledge.
Etymology of ALLGEMEINEN
The word "allgemeinen" is derived from the German language. It is the plural form of the adjective "allgemein", which means "general" or "public" in English. The etymology of "allgemein" can be traced back to the Middle High German word "almēne", which has the same meaning. In turn, "almēne" originates from the Old High German word "almeini", which is a combination of the prefix "al-" meaning "all" or "general", and the word "meini" meaning "common" or "universal". Thus, "allgemeinen" can be understood as the plural form of "allgemein", indicating a general or common state or condition.
