common good
das Gemeinwohl
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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.
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| genitive | des Gemeinwohls |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Gemeinwohl | – |
| accusative | das Gemeinwohl | – |
| dative | dem Gemeinwohl | – |
| genitive | des Gemeinwohls | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
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.
