German word

speziell

Pronunciation

IPA/ʃpeˈtsi̯ɛl/

Meaning

  • adjectivespecial

Example

Das ist ein spezielles Problem.

This is a special problem.

Illustration for speziell (special)

More examples

Das ist ein spezielles Buch für Anfänger.

That is a special book for beginners.

Core concept

A separate label marks one case that needs treatment apart from the usual category.

Common phrases

  • sehr speziell

    very special

  • speziell für Anfänger

    special for beginners

Similar words

besonders: Standing out as more notable than what is usual.
spezifisch: Defined by features or uses that belong to one particular thing.
konkret: Shown through a real example or clearly identifiable form rather than an abstraction.

Definition in German

Auf eine bestimmte Eigenschaft oder Situation bezogen; etwas, das sich vom Allgemeinen unterscheidet.

Word origin

Speziell is a learned borrowing based on Latin specialis, related to species and referring to a particular kind or instance.

Usage tips

  • Predicative 'Das ist speziell' can suggest that something is unusual, so a following qualifier or noun makes the intended meaning clearer.

Other meanings

  • especiallyadverb
  • specializedadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • Spezialistspecialistnoun
  • Spezialpreisspecial pricenoun

Word lists with this word