strange
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strange
Deviating from the norm in a strange, odd, or unexpected way; unfamiliar or peculiar.
Er hat die sonderbare Angewohnheit, im Sommer einen Wollschal zu tragen.
He has the strange habit of wearing a wool scarf in the summer.
The word consists of the stem 'sonder' and the ending '-bar'. The stem 'sonder' is related to 'besonders' (special) and means 'separate' or 'special'. So 'sonderbar' (strange) describes something that is separate from the norm.
Er hat einen recht sonderbaren Geschmack, was Kleidung angeht.
He has rather strange taste when it comes to clothing.
'Sonderbar' (strange) is often used to describe behavior, habits, or people. Common combinations are 'ein sonderbarer Mensch' (a strange person), 'eine sonderbare Angewohnheit' (a strange habit), or the verb phrase 'sich sonderbar verhalten' (to behave strangely).
Nach dem Vorfall hat er sich sehr sonderbar verhalten.
After the incident, he behaved very strangely.
'Sonderbar' (strange) belongs more to written language or a somewhat elevated style. It can sometimes sound slightly old-fashioned or more formal.
In dem alten Buch wurde die Geschichte auf eine sonderbare Weise erzählt.
In the old book, the story was told in a strange way.
funny / strange
Komisch and sonderbar can both describe an unexpected, strange situation. Komisch can also easily be understood as “lustig” (funny), whereas sonderbar primarily emphasizes deviation from the norm and an unsettling impression. Use sonderbar when no humorous effect is intended.
Es war sonderbar, dass der Busfahrer an der Haltestelle plötzlich rückwärts fuhr.
It was strange that the bus driver suddenly drove backward at the bus stop.
Es war komisch, dass der Busfahrer an der Haltestelle plötzlich rückwärts fuhr.
It was strange that the bus driver suddenly drove backward at the bus stop.
