special case
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special case
A case, person, or situation that deviates from the norm or rule and therefore requires special treatment or consideration.
Normalerweise ist das verboten, aber für dich machen wir einen Sonderfall.
Normally that's forbidden, but we'll make a special case for you.
The word is clearly composed of 'Sonder-' (special, extra) and 'der Fall' (case). So the meaning 'special case' can be derived directly from its parts.
Dieser Patient ist ein Sonderfall und braucht eine besondere Behandlung.
This patient is a special case and needs special treatment.
Common verbs used with 'Sonderfall' (special case) are 'ein Sonderfall sein' (to be a special case), 'einen Sonderfall darstellen' (to constitute a special case), or 'als Sonderfall gelten' (to count as a special case).
Die frühe Prüfung des Studenten stellt einen Sonderfall dar.
The student's early exam constitutes a special case.
'Sonderfall' (special case) is often used to justify an exception to a general rule. It signals that a situation requires an individual solution.
Die Regel gilt für alle, aber Ihre Situation ist ein klarer Sonderfall.
The rule applies to everyone, but your situation is clearly a special case.
exception
Eine Ausnahme (exception) breaks a general rule. Ein Sonderfall (special case) is also something particular and often requires separate consideration, but it can follow its own rule and therefore does not have to be an exception. Use Ausnahme for a deviation from the rule, and Sonderfall for special treatment.
Die Öffnung am Sonntag ist ein Sonderfall mit einer eigenen Regel.
Opening on Sunday is a special case governed by its own rule.
Die Öffnung am Sonntag ist eine Ausnahme von der allgemeinen Regel.
Opening on Sunday is an exception to the general rule.
