Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| speziell | /ʃpeˈtsi̯ɛl/ |
| Spezial- | |
| Sonder- | |
| bestimmt | [bəˈʃtɪmt] (narrow) |
| Lieblings- |
In German, the word you choose for 'special' depends on whether you mean something is specific, extraordinary or a favorite. Use speziell to describe something of particular interest, value or a specific requirement. Use the prefix Sonder- for things that are exceptional or extra, such as a special offer. Use the prefix Lieblings- when you mean 'favorite'. Use bestimmt when you want to say 'a certain' or 'a specific' thing.
Which one should you use?
speziell is used to mean 'special' in the sense of being specific or particular. In contrast, the prefix Sonder- is used to create nouns meaning 'special' in the sense of being extraordinary or exceptional, such as Sonderangebot (special offer). While speziell can mean 'special', if you are talking about a 'favorite' thing, you should use the prefix Lieblings-. If you mean 'a certain' or 'a specific' thing, use the adjective bestimmt. The form Spezial- serves as a prefix for related constructions.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃpeˈtsi̯ɛl/
Did you know?
- In German, the word Sonderbehandlung means 'special treatment', but historically it was used as a chilling Nazi euphemism for execution without trial.
- While speziell is used for 'specific', using it to describe a person as ein spezieller Mensch can sometimes be a polite euphemism for saying someone is eccentric or strange.
- The prefix Sonder- is actually rooted in an ancient word meaning 'separate' or 'isolated'.
Examples in context
- Ich hatte ein spezielles Ticket.I had a special ticket.This sentence demonstrates the use of speziell to describe a ticket.Tatoeba #1007977 by Sudajaengi, translation #259736 by CK
- Die Null ist eine spezielle Zahl.Zero is a special number.This sentence shows how speziell describes a number.Tatoeba #12407946 by mayabe, translation #2797850 by carlosalberto
- Ein spezielles Visum war erforderlich.A special visa was required.This sentence uses speziell in the context of a visa requirement.Tatoeba #8310845 by GuidoW, translation #8311570 by CK
- Dieses Angebot ist besonders.This offer is special.
- Das Ereignis hat eine besondere Bedeutung.The event holds a special meaning.
- Wir haben spezielle Pläne für den Abend.We have special plans for the evening.
- Diese Methode erfordert spezielle Kenntnisse.This method requires specialized knowledge.
- Dieses Café hat besonders leckere Kuchen.This café has especially delicious cakes.
- Gestern war ein besonders schöner Tag.Yesterday was a particularly beautiful day.
- Das ist ein spezielles Angebot für unsere Stammkunden.That's a special offer for our regular customers.
- Er hat einen speziellen Sinn für Humor.He has a special sense of humor.
- 27 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Maximilian are discussing a dinner plan.
- HannahHast du einen speziellen Wunsch für heute Abend?Do you have a special wish for tonight?
- MaximilianIch möchte gerne in ein italienisches Restaurant gehen.I would like to go to an Italian restaurant.
- HannahDas ist ein spezieller Ort für uns beide.That is a special place for both of us.
- MaximilianJa, das Essen dort ist einfach wunderbar.Yes, the food there is simply wonderful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “special” translations and entries speziell, bestimmt, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sonder-, speziell, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
