special edition / special issue
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special edition
A special version of a product, such as a book, magazine, or CD, that differs from the normal version. It may have additional material, special packaging, or a limited print run.
Zum 20-jährigen Jubiläum des Films erschien eine Sonderausgabe mit unveröffentlichten Szenen.
For the film's 20th anniversary, a special edition with unreleased scenes was released.
special issue
An extra issue of a newspaper or magazine published outside the regular schedule because of a current, important event.
Nach dem überraschenden Wahlergebnis druckte die Zeitung noch am selben Abend eine Sonderausgabe.
After the surprising election result, the newspaper printed a special issue that same evening.
The word is made up of the prefix 'Sonder-' (special or extra) and 'die Ausgabe' (edition/issue). So it always refers to a version that differs from the standard.
Diese Zeitschrift erscheint einmal im Monat, aber heute gibt es eine Sonderausgabe.
This magazine comes out once a month, but today there is a special issue.
The meaning depends on the context. A 'Sonderausgabe' (special edition) of a book or film is usually planned and contains bonus material. A 'Sonderausgabe' (special issue) of a newspaper, however, appears spontaneously and quickly because of a very important current event.
Die Sonderausgabe des Buches enthält ein Interview mit dem Autor.
The special edition of the book contains an interview with the author.
When talking about products such as books or CDs, people often speak of a 'limitierte Sonderausgabe' (limited special edition). It often appears 'zum Jubiläum' (for the anniversary) or is equipped 'mit Bonusmaterial' (with bonus material).
Ich habe mir die limitierte Sonderausgabe meines Lieblingsalbums gekauft.
I bought the limited special edition of my favorite album.
This meaning is typical in the media world. Newspapers or television stations 'drucken' (print), 'veröffentlichen' (publish), or 'senden' (broadcast) a 'Sonderausgabe' (special issue/special edition) in order to report immediately on an unexpected major event.
Der Fernsehsender unterbrach sein Programm für eine Sonderausgabe der Nachrichten.
The television station interrupted its programming for a special edition of the news.
special issue
When referring to magazines, Sonderausgabe and Sonderheft can describe the same special publication. Sonderausgabe is more general and emphasizes how it differs from the regular version, for example through additional material or special presentation. Sonderheft specifically refers to an additional magazine issue that is usually devoted to a particular topic.
Die Sonderausgabe des Magazins enthält zusätzliche Fotos und hat einen besonderen Umschlag.
The special edition of the magazine contains additional photos and has a distinctive cover.
Das Sonderheft des Magazins behandelt ausschließlich das Thema erneuerbare Energien.
The special issue of the magazine deals exclusively with renewable energy.
