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.
exception
'die Ausnahme' and 'der Ausnahmefall' often mean almost the same thing: something does not fit the rule or what is usual. 'die Ausnahme' is a little more general and can also refer to a person, a thing, or a fixed expression like 'mit Ausnahme von' (with the exception of). 'der Ausnahmefall' puts more emphasis on a special situation or a rare event. In many sentences you can use both, but 'Ausnahmefall' sounds a bit more precise when you are talking about an entire situation.
Vor dem Termin erklärt die Ärztin, dass eine zweite Untersuchung nur ein Ausnahmefall ist.
Before the appointment, the doctor explains that a second examination is only an exceptional case.
In der Bibliothek ist lautes Sprechen nur in einer Ausnahme erlaubt.
In the library, speaking loudly is allowed only as an exception.