01
besonders
especially
As an adverb: to a high degree; especially, above all.
example
Der Film war gut, besonders das Ende hat mir gefallen.
The film was good; I especially liked the ending.
besonders
especially / special
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Adverb or adjective?
'Besonders' can be an adverb ('especially') or an adjective ('special'). As an adverb, it is not declined. As an adjective, it stands before a noun and must be declined.
EXAMPLE
Das Wetter ist heute besonders schön.
The weather is especially nice today.
Word order as an adverb
As an adverb meaning 'vor allem' (above all) or 'speziell' (especially/specifically), 'besonders' usually stands directly before the word or phrase it emphasizes.
EXAMPLE
Ich mag Obst, besonders Erdbeeren.
I like fruit, especially strawberries.
Typical collocations as an adjective
As an adjective, 'besonders' (special) often describes things that are unique or important for an occasion. Typical combinations are 'ein besonderer Anlass' (a special occasion), 'ein besonderes Geschenk' (a special gift), or 'eine besondere Ehre' (a special honor).
EXAMPLE
Zu meinem Geburtstag habe ich ein besonderes Geschenk bekommen.
For my birthday, I received a special gift.
Compare with
besonders vs all
all
Here, 'all' is important mainly in the fixed expression 'vor allem' (above all / especially). 'vor allem' and 'besonders' can both highlight something. 'vor allem' means that something is especially important among several points or is the main focus. 'besonders' can also strongly emphasize something, but it often sounds more general and can also simply mean 'to a high degree'. Learners may confuse them because both express emphasis. The important point is: 'all' by itself does not mean 'besonders'; only the expression 'vor allem' is close in meaning.
besonders
Mein Vater fährt heute besonders vorsichtig, weil die Straße glatt ist.
My father is driving especially carefully today because the road is icy.
all
Vor allem nach der Arbeit braucht Lena eine ruhige Stunde.
Above all, after work Lena needs a quiet hour.
In real life
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