German word

besonder

Pronunciation

IPA/bəˈzɔndɐ/

Meaning

  • adjectivespecial

Example

Das ist ein besonderer Tag.

This is a special day.

Illustration for besonder (special)

More examples

Sie reagierte auf die Nachricht mit besonderer Zurückhaltung.

She reacted to the news with particular restraint.

Core concept

One feature gives an ordinary scene a clear distinguishing mark.

Common phrases

  • von besonderer Bedeutung

    of particular importance

  • eine besondere Rolle

    a special role

  • mit besonderem Interesse

    with special interest

Similar words

speziell: Suited to a particular purpose or defined by a particular feature.
außergewöhnlich: Far beyond the ordinary in a striking way.
einzigartig: Having no equal or exact counterpart.
ungewöhnlich: Noticeably different from what is usual or familiar.

Definition in German

in irgendeiner Hinsicht von der Norm abweichend und dadurch auffällig oder speziell.

Word origin

The German adjective besonder developed from Middle High German besunder, which meant 'separate' or 'distinct', and ultimately from Old High German bisuntar.

Usage tips

  • In etwas Besonderes, Besonderes is capitalized because the adjective functions as a neuter noun.

Other meanings

  • exceptionaladjective
  • distinctiveadjective

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word