adjectiveadverb

ungewöhnlich

unusual

Etwas ist anders als normal oder passiert nicht oft.

The German word "ungewöhnlich" is an adjective that means "unusual" or "extraordinary". It is composed of the prefix "un-" (which denotes negation) and "gewöhnlich" (which means "usual" or "ordinary"). So, "ungewöhnlich" directly translates to "not usual" or "not ordinary."

Similar words in German include:

  • "außergewöhnlich" (extraordinary)
  • "seltsam" (strange)
  • "eigenartig" (peculiar)

Differences:

  • "Außergewöhnlich" shares a very close meaning with "ungewöhnlich" but often carries a more positive connotation, signifying something remarkably good or noteworthy.
  • "Seltsam" typically implies something strange or odd, often with a neutral to negative implication.
  • "Eigenartig" suggests something peculiar or unique, often highlighting oddity or individualism rather than mere deviation from the norm, and can be either negative or positive based on context.

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Examples

Das ist ungewöhnlich.adjective

That is unusual.

Ihr Verhalten war ungewöhnlich ruhig gestern.adverb

Her behavior was unusually calm yesterday.

Der Geschmack der Frucht ist ungewöhnlich süß.adverb

The taste of the fruit is unusually sweet.

Der Geschmack des Gerichts war recht ungewöhnlich.adjective

The taste of the dish was quite unusual.

Das Restaurant hatte ein ungewöhnliches Design.adjective

The restaurant had an unusual design.

Das Wetter ist heute ungewöhnlich kühl.adverb

The weather is unusually cool today.

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