ausserordentlich
extraordinarily
To a very high degree; especially, unusually good, strong, or intense.
EXAMPLE
Sie hat bei der Prüfung eine ausserordentlich gute Leistung gezeigt.
She delivered an extraordinarily good performance on the exam.
ausserordentlich
extraordinary
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Meanings
ausserordentlich
extraordinary
Not following the rule or normal course of events; special or additional.
EXAMPLE
Wegen des Vorfalls wurde eine ausserordentliche Sitzung des Vorstands einberufen.
Because of the incident, an extraordinary meeting of the board was called.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of 'außer' (outside/beyond) and 'ordentlich' (orderly/proper). It literally means 'outside the order' or 'outside the normal,' which explains both meanings well.
EXAMPLE
Das Museum besitzt eine ausserordentliche Sammlung seltener Kunstwerke.
The museum has an extraordinary collection of rare works of art.
Adjective and adverb
'Ausserordentlich' can stand before a noun as an adjective or be used as an adverb to intensify a verb or another adjective. As an adverb, it means 'very' or 'especially.'
EXAMPLE
Das war eine ausserordentliche Leistung.
That was an extraordinary achievement.
Register and style
This word belongs to a formal or elevated style. It is used mainly in written language or in official contexts.
EXAMPLE
Der Redner bedankte sich für die ausserordentliche Gastfreundschaft.
The speaker thanked them for their extraordinary hospitality.
Regional spelling
The spelling 'ausserordentlich' with 'ss' is common in Switzerland. In Germany and Austria, the standard spelling is 'außerordentlich' with 'ß.'
EXAMPLE
In der Schweiz schreibt man „Strasse“, in Deutschland „Straße“.
In Switzerland, people write 'Strasse'; in Germany, 'Straße.'
Context clue
In the meaning 'additional' or 'special,' the word is often found in formal contexts before nouns such as 'Sitzung' (meeting), 'Versammlung' (assembly), or 'Kündigung' (termination/dismissal).
EXAMPLE
Der Betriebsrat hat eine ausserordentliche Versammlung einberufen.
The works council called an extraordinary assembly.
Compare with
ausserordentlich vs besonders
especially / special
Besonders and ausserordentlich can both intensify a positive quality. However, ausserordentlich clearly indicates an unusually high degree, while besonders can also be a less strong emphasis. For clearly above-average quality, ausserordentlich is therefore more precise.
ausserordentlich
Der Service in diesem Hotel war ausserordentlich gut.
The service at this hotel was exceptionally good.
besonders
Der Service in diesem Hotel war besonders gut.
The service at this hotel was particularly good.
In real life
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