common sense
der Menschenverstand
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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.
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| genitive | des Menschenverstands |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Menschenverstand | – |
| accusative | den Menschenverstand | – |
| dative | dem Menschenverstand | – |
| genitive | des Menschenverstands des Menschenverstandes | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
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
Verstand generally refers to the ability to think, understand, and make judgments. Menschenverstand refers to the same ability specifically in practical everyday decisions that do not require specialized knowledge. Verstand fits general thinking; for a simple everyday assessment, Menschenverstand is more precise.
Für diese einfache Entscheidung braucht man keinen Kurs, sondern nur Menschenverstand.
You don't need a course for this simple decision, just common sense.
Mit seinem Verstand löste er die schwierige Aufgabe ohne Hilfe.
He used his intelligence to solve the difficult problem without any help.
