die Gepflogenheit
Translation
custom, practice, habit
Examples
Das ist eine alte Gepflogenheit.
That is an old custom.
Es ist Gepflogenheit, Geschenke mitzubringen.
It is customary to bring gifts.
Grammar Patterns
to be/have a custom (eine Gepflogenheit sein/haben) It is a local custom.
Similar Words
Synonyms: der Brauch (custom), die Sitte (tradition), die Gewohnheit (habit)
Etymology
Derived from the past participle of 'pflegen' (to cultivate, be accustomed to). The suffix '-heit' forms abstract nouns. Thus, something that has been 'gepflegt' (cultivated) over time becomes a custom.
Memory Tips
Think of something that is 'gepflegt' (maintained, cared for) over generations, becoming a 'Gepflogenheit' (custom).