rarity
Loading your saved state.
rarity
An object or thing that occurs very rarely and is therefore often considered especially valuable, interesting, or desirable.
Diese Briefmarke aus dem 19. Jahrhundert ist eine echte Rarität für Sammler.
This 19th-century stamp is a true rarity for collectors.
'Die Rarität' (rarity) is the noun corresponding to the adjective 'rar' (rare). The ending '-ität' (-ity) is often used in German to form nouns from adjectives that describe a quality.
Es ist sehr rar, einen solchen Schmetterling in dieser Region zu finden.
It is very rare to find such a butterfly in this region.
The word 'Rarität' (rarity) belongs to a more elevated or formal register. You often find it in texts about art, collectibles, nature, or science.
Das Museum stellt einige botanische Raritäten aus der ganzen Welt aus.
The museum displays several botanical rarities from around the world.
When 'Rarität' (rarity) refers to a rare object, it is often combined with adjectives like 'echt' (real/true), 'absolut' (absolute), or 'begehrt' (sought-after). A very common phrase is 'eine Rarität für Sammler' (a rarity for collectors).
Dieses handgefertigte Auto aus den 1930er Jahren ist heute eine absolute Rarität.
This handmade car from the 1930s is an absolute rarity today.
The two meanings can be distinguished grammatically. If the word appears with an indefinite article ('eine Rarität') or in the plural ('Raritäten'), it refers to a rare object. If it is uncountable ('die Rarität von etwas'), it refers to the quality of rarity itself.
Auf dem Flohmarkt habe ich eine echte Rarität entdeckt.
I discovered a true rarity at the flea market.
special feature
'die Besonderheit' and 'die Rarität' can both describe something that is not everyday. 'die Besonderheit' means a special feature, detail, or event that distinguishes something from others. But it does not have to be very rare. 'die Rarität' primarily emphasizes rarity: something hardly ever occurs and is therefore often interesting or valuable. Learners may confuse the words because something rare can of course also be special. But not every 'Besonderheit' is a 'Rarität'. For a special feature, use 'Besonderheit'; for a very rare object or occurrence, use 'Rarität'.
Auf dem Flohmarkt fand Maria eine echte Rarität: eine alte Kamera aus den 1930er-Jahren.
At the flea market, Maria found a true rarity: an old camera from the 1930s.
Im Museum erklärt der Führer die Besonderheit des alten Gebäudes.
In the museum, the guide explains the special feature of the old building.