common good
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common good
The well-being, benefit, and interest of society or the community as a whole, as opposed to the interests of individuals or private groups.
Ehrenamtliche Arbeit ist ein wichtiger Beitrag zum Gemeinwohl.
Volunteer work is an important contribution to the common good.
The word consists of 'gemein' and 'Wohl'. Here, 'gemein' does not mean 'mean' or 'nasty', but 'general' or 'communal'. So it is about the 'well-being of the general public'.
Politische Entscheidungen sollten immer das Gemeinwohl im Blick haben.
Political decisions should always keep the common good in mind.
'Das Gemeinwohl' (the common good) is an abstract concept and is therefore used only in the singular. There is no plural form for this word.
Der Schutz der Umwelt ist eine Aufgabe für das Gemeinwohl.
Protecting the environment is a task for the common good.
'Gemeinwohl' (common good) is often used with verbs that express contribution or service. Typical phrases are 'dem Gemeinwohl dienen' (to serve the common good), 'zum Gemeinwohl beitragen' (to contribute to the common good), or 'im Interesse des Gemeinwohls handeln' (to act in the interest of the common good).
Viele Vereine dienen dem Gemeinwohl.
Many associations serve the common good.
This word belongs to formal language and is mainly used in political, social, or ethical discussions. It rarely occurs in everyday colloquial speech.
Die Debatte drehte sich um die Balance zwischen individueller Freiheit und dem Gemeinwohl.
The debate revolved around the balance between individual freedom and the common good.
community
'das Gemeinwohl' and 'das Gemeinwesen' both have to do with a community or society. 'das Gemeinwohl' means the benefit or well-being of all people in that community. So it is about the question of what is good for everyone. 'das Gemeinwesen' refers more to the organized community itself, for example a city or a state with its people, rules, and institutions. The words can be confused because both often appear in political or social texts. As a simple guide: 'Gemeinwohl' is the goal; 'Gemeinwesen' is the community.
Die neue Regel soll nicht nur einzelnen Firmen helfen, sondern dem Gemeinwohl dienen.
The new rule is meant not only to help individual companies, but to serve the common good.
Viele Vereine leisten einen wichtigen Beitrag zum Gemeinwesen in der Stadt.
Many clubs and associations make an important contribution to the community in the city.