gemein
Translation
mean, nasty, common, vulgar
Examples
Das war eine gemeine Bemerkung.
That was a mean remark.
Das gemeine Volk war unzufrieden.
The common people were dissatisfied.
Sie haben ein gemeines Interesse.
They have a common interest.
Grammar Patterns
((Adjective)) + Noun (adjective before a noun) a mean lie
to be + ((Adjective)) (predicative adjective) He is very mean.
Similar Words
Synonyms: bösartig (malicious), fies (nasty), niederträchtig (vile); Antonyms: nett (nice), freundlich (friendly), edel (noble)
Etymology
From Middle High German 'gemeine', meaning 'common, general'. The negative sense of 'mean' or 'nasty' developed later.
Memory Tips
Think of how 'common' in English can sometimes have a negative connotation, like 'commoner'. 'Gemein' followed a similar path from 'common to all' to 'vulgar' and then 'mean'.