01
geläufig
common / familiar
Generally known, familiar, or widespread.
example
Sein Name ist mir geläufig, aber ich kann kein Gesicht zuordnen.
His name is familiar to me, but I can't put a face to it.
geläufig
common / fluent
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'geläufig' (common/fluent) is related to the verb 'laufen' (to run). It describes something that 'runs' well, meaning is fluent, or that is figuratively in circulation and therefore known to many people.
EXAMPLE
Diese Redewendung ist heute nicht mehr so geläufig.
This idiom is no longer so common today.
Context clue
When it is about knowledge (a name, a term), 'geläufig' (common/familiar) usually means 'bekannt' (known). When it is about a skill (a language, an instrument), it means 'fließend' (fluent).
EXAMPLE
Die Abkürzung „z.B.“ ist jedem Deutschlerner geläufig.
The abbreviation 'z.B.' is familiar to every German learner.
Dative construction
In the meaning 'bekannt' (known/familiar), 'geläufig' is almost always used with a person in the dative. The structure is: Something is [mir, dir, ihm, ihr...] geläufig.
EXAMPLE
Der Name der Autorin ist mir zwar geläufig, aber ich habe noch kein Buch von ihr gelesen.
The author's name is familiar to me, but I haven't read any of her books yet.
Adverbial use
In the meaning 'fließend' (fluent), 'geläufig' can also be used as an adverb to describe how well someone performs a skill. It then stands directly with the verb.
EXAMPLE
Er kann das Musikstück schon sehr geläufig spielen.
He can already play the piece of music very fluently.
Compare with
geläufig vs sicher
sure / safe
'sicher' and 'geläufig' can both describe that someone can do something well and without major mistakes. 'sicher' emphasizes that you act reliably and show no uncertainty. This fits many activities, for example driving, calculating, or speaking. 'geläufig' is more likely to fit language, words, or practiced routines, and means that something goes smoothly and easily. If someone speaks a language well, both can fit: 'sicher' sounds more like control, while 'geläufig' sounds more like fluent use.
geläufig
Die wichtigsten Formen sind ihm vor der Prüfung schon geläufig.
He is already familiar with the most important forms before the exam.
sicher
Nach einigen Fahrstunden fährt Lena schon sehr sicher durch die Stadt.
After a few driving lessons, Lena already drives through the city very confidently.
In real life
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