Common denominator
The common denominator in the German language is a metaphor for similarities, for example the same interests in a group of otherwise very different people. The term is derived from fraction calculation , in which different fractions often have to be brought to the same denominator . While the common denominator in mathematics should always be as small as possible, there are two common idioms:
- Lowest common denominator
- The phrase lowest common denominator denotes a compromise or consensus at the lowest level. In the course of negotiations , a lowest common denominator can have several meanings: e.g. B. lazy compromise , uncontested points, poor result, etc.
- Greatest common denominator
- The phrase greatest common denominator denotes a compromise or consensus at the highest, highest possible level. In cases where there is very little commonality, e.g. B. is achieved in negotiations (in which the largest common denominator is small), the term "lowest common denominator" is used for journalistic simplicity.
Individual evidence
- ↑ denominator. In: Digital dictionary of the German language . Retrieved September 12, 2019
- ^ EU summit on defense policy: Agreement on the lowest common denominator . Spiegel Online , December 20, 2013.
- ↑ Government: "Only lowest common denominator" . kurier.at, December 1, 2013.