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
Derived from Middle High German 'gemeine', meaning 'common, general'. The negative meaning 'mean' or 'nasty' is a later development.
Memory Tips
Connect 'gemein' to the English word 'community' via its root. The meaning shifted from 'common' to the community, to 'vulgar', and finally to 'mean'.