Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| außergewöhnlich | /ˈaʊ̯.sɐ.ɡəˌvøːn.lɪç/ |
| außerordentlich | [ˈaʊ̯sɐʔɔʁdɛntlɪç] (narrow) |
Both terms are used to describe things that are not ordinary. Außergewöhnlich is typically used for things that are remarkably unusual or break a common pattern, while außerordentlich can also function as an intensifier meaning 'extremely' or 'exceptionally' regarding a specific degree or amount.
What does it mean word for word?
The word außergewöhnlich is built from the prefix außer-, which means 'outside of' or 'beyond'.
Which one should you use?
While both words translate to extraordinary, außergewöhnlich often implies something that is strikingly unusual or deviates from the norm. In contrast, außerordentlich is frequently used to mean 'exceptionally' or 'extremely' when describing the scale or degree of something.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an adverb, außergewöhnlich does not take any adjective endings, such as in the phrase 'Sie ist außergewöhnlich schön' (She is extraordinarily beautiful).
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 5 syllables, with the stress on the first syllable. The IPA is /ˈaʊ̯.sɐ.ɡəˌvøːn.lɪç/.
Did you know?
- In German law, an außerordentliche Kündigung is an 'extraordinary termination', which allows an employer or employee to end a contract immediately without the usual notice period.
- In some formal contexts, außerordentlich can be used as a diplomatic rank, such as in außerordentlicher Gesandter meaning 'envoy extraordinary'.
- While außerordentlich means 'extraordinary', the root ordentlich is commonly used in daily life to mean 'tidy' or 'neat'.
Examples in context
- Der Berg Fuji ist außergewöhnlich.Mount Fuji is extraordinary.This sentence shows how to use außergewöhnlich to describe a mountain.Tatoeba #8661653 by Melang, translation #2159106 by Cookiejardino
- Sie war eine außergewöhnliche Frau.She was an extraordinary woman.This sentence shows how to use außergewöhnlich to describe a woman.Tatoeba #3783224 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3783120 by Hybrid
- Tom ist ein außergewöhnlicher Mensch.Tom is an extraordinary person.This sentence shows how to use außergewöhnlich to describe a person.Tatoeba #4132133 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2957047 by CK
- Die Präsentation war außergewöhnlich gut.The presentation was extraordinarily good.
- Ich nehme ausnahmsweise an der Konferenz teil.I am participating in the conference on an exceptional basis.
- Das Essen war wirklich unglaublich lecker!The food was incredibly delicious!
- Das Konzert gestern Abend war echt hammer!The concert last night was really amazing!
- Das war eine absolut außergewöhnliche Erfahrung!That was an absolutely extraordinary experience!
- 32 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Lukas are talking about a concert they just attended.
- LauraDas Konzert gestern war wirklich außergewöhnlich.The concert yesterday was truly extraordinary.
- LukasJa, ich habe noch nie so gespielt gehört.Yes, I have never heard it played like that before.
- LauraDie Sängerin hat eine außergewöhnliche Stimme.The singer has an extraordinary voice.
- LukasDas stimmt, sie ist ein großes Talent.That's true, she is a great talent.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “extraordinary” translations and entries außergewöhnlich, außerordentlich, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
