adjective
usual, commonly
B1
'gewöhnlich' means 'usual' or 'commonly'. Used as adjective or adverb to indicate normality or frequency. It’s gradable: comparative 'gewöhnlicher', superlative 'am gewöhnlichsten'. Common antonyms include 'ungewöhnlich' and 'besonders'. No special prepositions or reflexivity; regular adjective patterns apply. Used in both everyday and formal contexts.
Examples
Es ist gewöhnlich, vor dem Essen die Hände zu waschen.
It's usual to wash your hands before eating.
In dieser Region isst man gewöhnlich viel Fisch.
People commonly eat a lot of fish in this region.
Der Zug kam gewöhnlich pünktlich an, obwohl wegen des Sturms an diesem Tag Verspätungen auftraten.
The train usually arrived on time, although delays occurred that day because of the storm.
Details
Mnemonics
Picture a common street with the same shops — that scene is 'gewöhnlich' (usual).
Sounds like 'geh-VOEN-lich' — think 'very ordinary' (usual).
Notes
'gewöhnlich' can function as an adverb as well (meaning 'usually' or 'normally').