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.
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.
expense / issue / output
'die Ausgabe' and 'die Sonderausgabe' can both mean a version of a newspaper, magazine, book, or similar product. 'Ausgabe' is the general word for a particular version or issue. 'Sonderausgabe' is more specific: it differs from the normal edition, for example because of a special topic, extra material, or a current occasion. The words can be confused because every 'Sonderausgabe' is also an 'Ausgabe'. If nothing special is meant, you simply say 'Ausgabe'. If the version is extra or published outside the regular schedule, 'Sonderausgabe' fits.
Zum Jubiläum bringt der Verlag eine Sonderausgabe mit vielen alten Fotos heraus.
For the anniversary, the publisher is releasing a special edition with many old photos.
Lena hat die letzte Ausgabe des Magazins im Zug gelesen.
Lena read the latest issue of the magazine on the train.