universell
universal
Generally valid, applicable or relevant to everyone and everywhere.
EXAMPLE
Die Sprache der Musik ist universell und wird auf der ganzen Welt verstanden.
The language of music is universal and is understood all over the world.
universell
universal
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Meanings
universell
versatile
Usable in many ways or suitable for various purposes.
EXAMPLE
Dieses Schweizer Taschenmesser ist ein universelles Werkzeug für unterwegs.
This Swiss Army knife is a versatile tool for when you're on the go.
Usage tips
Word family
'Universell' (universal) is related to 'Universum' (universe) and 'Universität' (university). The shared root points to the idea of 'totality' or 'all-encompassing'. So a universal law applies to everyone, and a universal tool can be used for everything.
EXAMPLE
Die Gesetze der Physik sind universell.
The laws of physics are universal.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from the noun. In connection with abstract concepts like 'Rechte' (rights), 'Werte' (values), or 'Sprache' (language), 'universell' means something like 'universally valid'. In connection with concrete objects like 'Werkzeug' (tool) or 'Adapter' (adapter), it means 'versatile' or 'usable in many ways'.
EXAMPLE
Menschenrechte sollten universell sein.
Human rights should be universal.
Typical collocation
A very common and useful combination is 'universell einsetzbar' (usable in many ways / universally applicable). This phrase describes that something can be used for many different purposes or in many situations.
EXAMPLE
Diese Software ist flexibel und universell einsetzbar.
This software is flexible and versatile.
Compare with
universell vs vielseitig
versatile
Both words can indicate that something is suitable for different purposes. Vielseitig (versatile) lists several different possible uses, while universell (universal) emphasizes exceptionally broad usability for almost all suitable cases. Use vielseitig when stressing great variety, and universell when the validity or use is meant to be very comprehensive.
universell
Der universelle Adapter eignet sich für fast alle Geräte in unserem Haushalt.
The universal adapter works with almost all the devices in our household.
vielseitig
Das vielseitige Gerät eignet sich für die Arbeit, für Reisen und für den Sport.
The versatile device is suitable for work, travel, and sports.
In real life
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