Following the usual social rules, forms, or opinions; traditional and not original.
example
Sie entschieden sich für eine ganz konventionelle Hochzeit mit Kirche und weißem Kleid.
They decided on a completely conventional wedding with a church and a white dress.
Usage tips
Word structure
The adjective 'konventionell' (conventional) is derived from the noun 'die Konvention' (the rule, the agreement). So it describes something that follows general rules or customs.
EXAMPLE
Seine Denkweise ist sehr konventionell und er mag keine Experimente.
His way of thinking is very conventional, and he doesn't like experiments.
Typical collocations
In its general meaning, 'konventionell' (conventional) is often used for lifestyles, opinions, or methods. Typical combinations are 'konventionelle Ansichten' (conventional views), 'eine konventionelle Methode' (a conventional method), or 'konventionelle Kleidung' (conventional clothing).
EXAMPLE
Er führt ein sehr konventionelles Leben mit Haus, Job und Familie.
He leads a very conventional life with a house, job, and family.
Agriculture context clue
In connection with food and agriculture, 'konventionell' (conventional) always means 'nicht-biologisch' (non-organic). You can recognize this meaning from words such as 'Anbau' (cultivation), 'Landwirtschaft' (agriculture), or 'Haltung' (animal husbandry).
EXAMPLE
Die Eier stammen aus konventioneller Haltung.
The eggs come from conventional farming.
Military context clue
In a military or political context, 'konventionell' (conventional) always means 'nicht-atomar, -biologisch oder -chemisch' (non-nuclear, non-biological, or non-chemical). Watch for words such as 'Waffen' (weapons), 'Streitkräfte' (armed forces), or 'Kriegsführung' (warfare).
EXAMPLE
Das Land verfügt über eine große Armee mit konventionellen Waffen.
The country has a large army with conventional weapons.
Compare with
near_synonym · confusable
konventionell vs klassisch
classic / classical
'klassisch' and 'konventionell' can both describe something that is not new or unusual. 'Klassisch' often sounds positive: a classic style is simple, elegant, and not dependent on trends. 'Konventionell' means that something follows the usual rules or expectations. It can be neutral, but it sometimes also sounds a bit like 'not especially original'. Learners may confuse the words because both can be the opposite of modern or experimental. If you mean a timeless style, 'klassisch' fits. If you mean that something is done according to normal social rules, 'konventionell' fits better.
konventionell
Im Gespräch wirkt Gretas Lösung ziemlich konventionell, aber sie funktioniert.
In the conversation, Greta's solution seems quite conventional, but it works.
klassisch
Für die Reise hat du dich für einen klassischen blauen Anzug entschieden.