average
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average
Describes something that corresponds to the mean or to what is usual. It means that something is neither especially good nor especially bad, but lies within the normal range.
Seine schulischen Leistungen waren immer nur durchschnittlich.
His school performance was always only average.
The word is derived from 'der Durchschnitt' (the average). A 'Durchschnitt' is literally a 'cut through' a set of data in order to find the mean. 'Durchschnittlich' (average) therefore describes what corresponds to this mean value.
Das durchschnittliche Einkommen in dieser Stadt ist recht hoch.
The average income in this city is quite high.
'Durchschnittlich' has two main uses. As an adverb, it is often neutral and statistical, usually in connection with numbers. As an adjective describing a quality, it can also have a slightly negative meaning of 'mediocre' or 'nothing special'.
Ein Auto verbraucht durchschnittlich 7 Liter Benzin auf 100 km.
A car consumes on average 7 liters of gasoline per 100 km.
When 'durchschnittlich' is used as an adverb, it often stands directly before the information it refers to, or at the beginning of the sentence to emphasize the statistical statement.
Durchschnittlich schlafen Erwachsene sieben bis acht Stunden pro Nacht.
On average, adults sleep seven to eight hours per night.
normal
'normal' and 'durchschnittlich' can both mean that something is within the ordinary range. 'normal' is broader and says: it is the way you would expect it to be. 'durchschnittlich' is more strongly connected to a comparison or an average: neither especially good nor especially bad, neither especially much nor especially little. Learners may confuse the words because both contrast with 'besonders' (special / particular). When talking about measured values, performance, or comparisons, 'durchschnittlich' is often more precise. When talking about a general state, 'normal' fits better.
Seine Ergebnisse waren durchschnittlich, aber er war mit dem Test zufrieden.
His results were average, but he was satisfied with the test.
Karim findet die Aufgabe normal schwer und macht sich keine Sorgen.
Karim finds the task normally difficult and is not worried.