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
'die Ausnahme' and 'der Sonderfall' both describe something that does not quite fit the normal rule. 'die Ausnahme' is more general: something normally applies, but not in a specific case. The word is also used in the phrase 'mit Ausnahme von', meaning 'except for'. 'der Sonderfall' sounds more like a special situation that has to be checked separately or treated differently. Learners may confuse the words because both talk about a deviation. As a guide: an 'Ausnahme' breaks a rule, while a 'Sonderfall' often needs a special solution.
Bei diesem Antrag handelt es sich um einen Sonderfall, deshalb prüft ihn das Amt besonders genau.
This application is a special case, so the office is reviewing it especially carefully.
Normalerweise darf niemand später kommen, aber heute macht die Lehrerin eine Ausnahme.
Normally no one is allowed to arrive late, but today the teacher is making an exception.