custom
die Gepflogenheit, die Gepflogenheiten
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custom
A usual and accepted way of behaving, a custom, or a convention within a particular group, culture, or company. The word is often used in the plural.
Es gehört zu den Gepflogenheiten des Hauses, dass neue Mitarbeiter allen vorgestellt werden.
It is one of the customs of the company that new employees are introduced to everyone.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Gepflogenheiten |
| genitive | der Gepflogenheit |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Gepflogenheit | die Gepflogenheiten |
| accusative | die Gepflogenheit | die Gepflogenheiten |
| dative | der Gepflogenheit | den Gepflogenheiten |
| genitive | der Gepflogenheit | der Gepflogenheiten |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
The word derives from the verb 'pflegen' (to maintain/cultivate), in its older meaning of 'to do something habitually'. A 'Gepflogenheit' (custom) is therefore something one is in the habit of doing.
Er pflegt nach dem Abendessen einen Spaziergang zu machen.
He is in the habit of taking a walk after dinner.
'Gepflogenheit' (custom) is a formal word. It is used mainly in business, official, or cultural contexts to describe customs and established ways of behaving.
Bitte machen Sie sich mit den geschäftlichen Gepflogenheiten unserer Partner vertraut.
Please familiarize yourself with the business customs of our partners.
This noun is very often used in the plural ('die Gepflogenheiten', customs), because it is often about a collection of customs and conventions. A typical sentence structure is 'Es gehört zu den Gepflogenheiten, dass ...' (It is one of the customs that ...).
Es gehört zu den lokalen Gepflogenheiten, den Gastgebern ein kleines Geschenk mitzubringen.
It is one of the local customs to bring the hosts a small gift.
custom
Brauch and Gepflogenheit can both refer to a practice that is customary within a group. Brauch emphasizes an inherited tradition, often associated with a special occasion, while Gepflogenheit sounds more like an accepted, formal everyday practice. Brauch fits a regional festival tradition, while Gepflogenheit often fits a group convention.
In unserem Unternehmen ist es Gepflogenheit, die Gäste vor jeder Besprechung persönlich zu begrüßen.
In our company, it is customary to greet the guests personally before every meeting.
Es ist ein Brauch, beim Dorffest die Gäste mit Musik zu begrüßen.
It is a custom to welcome guests with music at the village festival.
