gemeen

This is the 3217th most frequent Dutch word.


gemeen

Mean; common.


In this sentence, 'gemeen' is used to describe someone's behavior as unkind or cruel toward others.

Hij was erg gemeen tegen zijn klasgenoten.

He was very mean to his classmates.


Here, 'gemeen' is used in the context of potentially being misunderstood as unkind intent while conveying critical feedback.

Het is niet gemeen bedoeld, maar het was een scherpe kritiek.

It is not meant to be mean, but it was sharp criticism.


In this case, 'gemeen' refers to something shared or mutual among people or entities.

Wij hebben allemaal een gemeen belang in deze zaak.

We all share a common interest in this matter.