regelmäßig
regularly
Happening or recurring at consistent intervals of time.
EXAMPLE
Er geht regelmäßig zum Sport.
He goes to the gym regularly.
regelmäßig
regular
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Meanings
regelmäßig
regular
Following a rule or pattern; shaped evenly and without major deviations.
EXAMPLE
Das Muster besteht aus regelmäßigen Sechsecken.
The pattern consists of regular hexagons.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of 'Regel' (rule) and the ending '-mäßig' (-like / according to). So it literally means 'according to a rule' or 'in accordance with a rule'. This origin explains both meanings: something that happens according to a fixed time rule, and something that follows a rule of form.
EXAMPLE
Die Kacheln an der Wand bilden ein regelmäßiges Muster.
The tiles on the wall form a regular pattern.
Adjective and adverb
'Regelmäßig' (regular / regularly) can stand before a noun as an adjective or describe a verb as an adverb. As an adverb, the form remains unchanged.
EXAMPLE
Ein regelmäßiges Training ist wichtig für die Gesundheit.
Regular exercise is important for health.
Typical collocations
In the time-related meaning, 'regelmäßig' (regularly) is often combined with activities. Typical phrases are 'regelmäßig Sport treiben' (to exercise regularly), 'sich regelmäßig treffen' (to meet regularly), or 'etwas regelmäßig überprüfen' (to check something regularly).
EXAMPLE
Wir treffen uns regelmäßig zum Kaffeetrinken.
We meet regularly for coffee.
Context: form and structure
When it is about shapes, patterns, or structures, 'regelmäßig' (regular) means even or symmetrical. You often find it in descriptions of geometry, art, or even biological processes.
EXAMPLE
Das Spinnennetz hatte eine fast perfekte, regelmäßige Struktur.
The spiderweb had an almost perfect, regular structure.
Compare with
regelmäßig vs oft
often
Both oft and regelmäßig describe recurring actions. Oft primarily emphasizes the high number of occurrences, while regelmäßig additionally suggests a consistent pattern or fixed intervals. Use oft for many occasions, and regelmäßig when the recurrence is predictable or even.
regelmäßig
Ich gehe regelmäßig jeden Sonntag im Park spazieren.
I go for a walk in the park every Sunday.
oft
Ich gehe oft im Park spazieren, wenn ich Zeit habe.
I often go for walks in the park when I have time.
In real life
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