common sense
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common sense
The ability to judge everyday situations reasonably and practically without needing specialized knowledge. The phrase 'gesunder Menschenverstand' (common sense, literally 'healthy human understanding') is often used to emphasize this natural judgment.
Der gesunde Menschenverstand sagt einem, dass man bei dieser Kälte eine Jacke anziehen sollte.
Common sense tells you that you should put on a jacket in this cold weather.
The word is made up of 'der Mensch' (the human/person, as the linking form 'Menschen') and 'der Verstand' (understanding/reason). It literally means the 'understanding of people,' that is, a general reason accessible to everyone.
Manchmal ist der einfache Menschenverstand die beste Lösung für ein Problem.
Sometimes simple common sense is the best solution to a problem.
The phrase 'gesunder Menschenverstand' (common sense) is used very frequently. The adjective 'gesund' (healthy/sound) emphasizes the natural, reasonable, and unbiased way of thinking.
Sein gesunder Menschenverstand half ihm, die richtige Entscheidung zu treffen.
His common sense helped him make the right decision.
'Menschenverstand' is often used as the subject in sentences like 'Der Menschenverstand sagt mir, dass…' (Common sense tells me that...) or 'Der Menschenverstand gebietet, dass…' (Common sense dictates that...). This expresses that a conclusion is logical and obvious.
Der gesunde Menschenverstand sagt mir, dass dieses Angebot zu gut ist, um wahr zu sein.
Common sense tells me that this offer is too good to be true.
mind / reason
'der Verstand' and 'der Menschenverstand' both have to do with rational thinking. 'der Verstand' refers generally to the ability to think logically, understand something, and make judgments. 'der Menschenverstand' is more suited to simple, practical everyday decisions that do not require special expertise. Learners may confuse the words because both are connected with reason. As a guide: 'Verstand' is more general and can also sound very abstract; 'Menschenverstand' means practical everyday experience and natural judgment.
Mit etwas Menschenverstand merkt man sofort, dass dieses Angebot zu billig ist.
With a little common sense, you immediately realize that this offer is too cheap.
In dieser schwierigen Situation muss Max seinen Verstand benutzen und ruhig bleiben.
In this difficult situation, Max has to use his reason and stay calm.