German word

besonders

Pronunciation

IPA/bəˈzɔndɐs/

Meaning

  • adverbespecially

Example

Ich mag Kaffee, besonders mit Milch.

I like coffee, especially with milk.

Illustration for besonders (especially)

More examples

Für Einsteiger ist Grammatik besonders wichtig.

For beginners, grammar is especially important.

Core concept

A spotlight singles out one item from a group as the one receiving extra attention.

Common phrases

  • besonders wichtig

    especially important

  • besonders gut

    especially good

  • besonders interessant

    especially interesting

Similar words

vor allem: Draws particular attention to the most notable item among several.
insbesondere: Emphasizes a specific point in a formal, precise way.
hauptsächlich: Refers mainly to the central part or cause.

Definition in German

besonders drückt eine stärkere Betonung oder Hervorhebung aus und steht oft nahe beim hervorgehobenen Wort.

Word origin

Besonders developed from Middle High German besunder, built from be- and sunder 'apart', and came to describe what is set apart before serving as an adverb.

Usage tips

  • Besonders can mean 'remarkably' or 'unusually' as well as 'especially', so context may describe degree rather than selection.

Other meanings

  • speciallyadverb
  • remarkablyadverb

Related words

Word lists with this word