Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| besonders | /beˈsɔndɐs/ |
| extra | /ˈɛks.tʁa/ |
besonders is used as an adverb to mean particularly or especially. It can also function as an adjective meaning special, such as in the phrase ein besonderer Tag (a special day).
What does it mean word for word?
The word besonders is composed of the prefix be- and the root sondern, which is related to the concept of distinguishing or separating. Literally, it implies something that is set apart or distinguished.
Which one should you use?
While besonders is the standard way to say especially or particularly, in colloquial speech, the word extra is sometimes used. When used this way, it can mean especially or on purpose, though it often carries the nuance of being additional or done for a specific purpose.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For formal contexts, you can use insbesondere to mean especially. The word extra is considered colloquial.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain parts of Switzerland, speziell is sometimes used instead of insbesondere or besonders.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an adverb meaning especially, besonders is indeclinable, meaning it does not change its ending regardless of the noun or adjective it modifies.
How do you pronounce it?
/beˈsɔndɐs/
Did you know?
- Using extra to say someone did something 'especially' or 'on purpose' can sometimes imply a sense of mischief or spite in colloquial German.
- The root of besonders is sondern, which is also used in the German conjunction sondern meaning 'but rather' to correct a previous statement.
- The colloquial use of extra to mean 'especially' is thought to have evolved from 16th century legal phrases like extrā ōrdinem, meaning 'out of the ordinary'.
Examples in context
- Es ist heute besonders heiß.It is especially hot today.This sentence shows how to use besonders to describe the intensity of weather.Tatoeba #1015131 by Espi, translation #242725 by CK
- Besonders gerne schwimmt er.He especially likes swimming.This sentence demonstrates using besonders to emphasize a preference.Tatoeba #3542096 by pne, translation #3249417 by nava
- Heute ist es besonders heiß.It's especially hot today.This sentence provides another way to use besonders regarding the weather.Tatoeba #12650734 by Waldelfe, translation #12631790 by CK
- Insbesondere deutsche Autos stehen weltweit für Qualität.Especially German cars are globally recognized for their quality.
- Das Unternehmen legt vor allem Wert auf Nachhaltigkeit.The company especially values sustainability.
- Dieses Café ist besonders bei jungen Leuten beliebt.This café is especially popular among young people.
- Ich mag alle Musikrichtungen, aber vor allem Hip-Hop.I like all genres of music, but especially hip-hop.
- 89 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Sarah are discussing a new restaurant.
- MaximilianDas Restaurant ist besonders gut.The restaurant is especially good.
- SarahStimmt, das Essen ist toll.True, the food is great.
- MaximilianBesonders die Pizza schmeckt super.Especially the pizza tastes super.
- SarahJa, ich liebe diese Pizza.Yes, I love this pizza.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “especially” translations and entries besonders, extra, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries besonders, extra, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
