exceptional case
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exceptional case
A situation or event that deviates from the rule, norm, or usual practice; a special case.
Normalerweise schließen wir um 18 Uhr, aber im Ausnahmefall können Sie Ihre Ware auch später abholen.
Normally we close at 6 p.m., but in exceptional cases you can also pick up your goods later.
The word is a compound of 'die Ausnahme' (the exception) and 'der Fall' (the case). So it literally means a 'case that is an exception'. Understanding the individual parts helps you grasp the overall meaning directly.
Eine Ausnahme von der Regel kann nur der Chef genehmigen.
Only the boss can approve an exception to the rule.
'Ausnahmefall' (exceptional case) is very often used with the preposition 'in' in the dative: 'im Ausnahmefall' (in an exceptional case). This expression means 'in a situation that represents an exception'.
Das Museum ist montags geschlossen, nur im Ausnahmefall ist es geöffnet.
The museum is closed on Mondays; only in exceptional cases is it open.
When the expression 'Im Ausnahmefall' (in an exceptional case) stands at the beginning of the sentence (position 1), the conjugated verb follows directly after it in position 2. The subject of the sentence then moves behind the verb.
Im Ausnahmefall können Sie mich auch am Wochenende anrufen.
In exceptional cases, you can also call me on the weekend.
individual case
An Einzelfall is assessed separately because of its individual circumstances, but it does not necessarily have to deviate from a rule. An Ausnahmefall, by contrast, is a case in which the usual rule or practice is not applied. Einzelfall fits an individual assessment, while Ausnahmefall fits a justified deviation.
Wegen des langen Stromausfalls verlängert die Behörde die Frist in diesem Ausnahmefall entgegen der üblichen Regel.
Because of the prolonged power outage, the authority extends the deadline in this exceptional case, contrary to the usual rule.
Ob die Frist verlängert wird, entscheidet die Behörde im Einzelfall nach den persönlichen Umständen.
The authority decides on a case-by-case basis, considering the individual circumstances, whether the deadline will be extended.
