gängig
common
Widespread, usual, or generally known and accepted.
EXAMPLE
Das ist die gängige Vorgehensweise in solchen Fällen.
That is the common procedure in such cases.
gängig
common / movable
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Meanings
gängig
movable
Refers to a mechanical part that can be moved easily and without getting stuck.
EXAMPLE
Nachdem er das Schloss geölt hatte, war der Schlüssel wieder gängig.
After he had oiled the lock, the key was movable again.
Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'gängig' (common/movable) is derived from the verb 'gehen' (to go). The basic idea is that something 'goes' well—either because it can be moved easily, or because it is well accepted in society and 'durchgeht' (passes/goes through).
EXAMPLE
Diese Redewendung ist im Alltag sehr gängig.
This expression is very common in everyday life.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from the noun: If 'gängig' describes an abstract thing such as a method, an opinion, or a practice, it means 'üblich' (usual/common). If it describes a mechanical part such as a lock or a screw, it means 'leicht beweglich' (easy to move).
EXAMPLE
Das ist die gängige Meinung zu diesem Thema.
That is the common opinion on this topic.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'üblich' (usual/common), 'gängig' is often combined with nouns such as 'Praxis' (practice), 'Meinung' (opinion), 'Verfahren' (procedure), 'Modell' (model), or 'Größe' (size).
EXAMPLE
Wir verkaufen dieses Produkt in allen gängigen Größen.
We sell this product in all common sizes.
Fixed construction
In the mechanical sense, the construction 'etwas gängig machen' (to make something movable again) is very common. It means making sure that something can move easily again, for example with oil or cleaning.
EXAMPLE
Mit etwas Öl konnte er das rostige Türschloss wieder gängig machen.
With a little oil, he was able to make the rusty door lock movable again.
Compare with
gängig vs üblich
usual
Üblich and gängig can both describe an accepted practice or designation. Üblich emphasizes that something is expected in a particular context, while gängig focuses more on its practical prevalence and familiarity. Choose üblich for the situation and gängig for a generally known or frequently used form.
gängig
Die Anrede mit dem Nachnamen ist in deutschen Formularen eine gängige Form.
Addressing someone by their last name is a common form in German forms.
üblich
In diesem Formular ist die Anrede mit dem Nachnamen üblich.
In this form, addressing someone by their last name is usual.
In real life
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