namentlich
by name
Means that something or someone is mentioned or listed by stating the specific name.
EXAMPLE
Die Gewinner des Wettbewerbs wurden alle namentlich auf der Bühne genannt.
The winners of the competition were all named on stage.
namentlich
by name / especially
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Meanings
namentlich
especially
Used to single out something or someone from a group; means roughly 'in particular' or 'above all'.
EXAMPLE
Viele Raubtiere, namentlich Löwen und Tiger, sind vom Aussterben bedroht.
Many predators, especially lions and tigers, are threatened with extinction.
Usage tips
Word structure
The adverb 'namentlich' (by name/especially) is derived directly from the noun 'der Name' (name). The ending '-lich' turns it into an adverb with the literal meaning 'by name'.
EXAMPLE
Die Verdächtigen sind der Polizei namentlich bekannt.
The suspects are known to the police by name.
Style and register
'Namentlich' (by name/especially) is used mainly in written language and in formal contexts, for example in official documents, reports, or academic texts.
EXAMPLE
Alle Teilnehmer müssen sich namentlich registrieren lassen.
All participants must register by name.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'mit Namen' (by name), 'namentlich' often appears with verbs like 'nennen' (to name), 'erwähnen' (to mention), 'aufführen' (to list), or 'bekannt sein' (to be known).
EXAMPLE
Der Zeuge konnte den Täter nicht namentlich nennen.
The witness could not name the perpetrator.
Context clue
You can often recognize the meaning 'insbesondere' (especially) from the sentence structure: First a general group is named, then 'namentlich' follows with one or more concrete examples from that group.
EXAMPLE
Einige europäische Städte, namentlich Paris und Rom, sind bei Touristen sehr beliebt.
Some European cities, especially Paris and Rome, are very popular with tourists.
Compare with
namentlich vs insbesondere
especially
Insbesondere and namentlich single someone or something out from a group. Insbesondere does not require specific names to be given. Namentlich is especially appropriate when particular people or things are then explicitly named.
namentlich
Viele Mitarbeitende halfen bei der Feier, namentlich Anna und Karim.
Many employees helped at the celebration, namely Anna and Karim.
insbesondere
Viele Mitarbeitende halfen bei der Feier, insbesondere das Küchenteam.
Many employees helped at the celebration, especially the kitchen team.
In real life
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