adjective

besonder

special · especially

Etwas, das sich von anderen unterscheidet oder nicht gewöhnlich ist.

Definition & meaning

The German adjective besonder (usually used as besonders or besondere) primarily means "special," "distinct," or "particular."

Special/Exceptional: Something that stands out from the ordinary, is unique, or is of high quality.
Specific/Particular: Referring to something specific rather than general (e.g., "in a particular case").
Emphasis: When used as an adverb (besonders), it means "especially," "particularly," or "very."

Grammar & Word origin

besonder is an adjective that is most frequently encountered in its inflected forms (e.g., ein besonderer Mensch, eine besondere Gelegenheit) or as the adverb besonders.

Origin: The word is derived from the Middle High German besunder, which originates from be- (by/near) and sunder (separate/apart). Etymologically, it relates to the idea of something being "set apart" from the rest. It is closely related to the preposition sonder (without/apart from) and the adjective absonderlich .