special issue
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special issue
A special edition of a journal or magazine that is published in addition to the regular publication schedule and usually focuses on a single topic.
Die Computerzeitschrift hat ein Sonderheft zum Thema „Sicherheit im Internet“ herausgebracht.
The computer magazine published a special issue on the topic of 'Internet security'.
The word is composed of 'Sonder-' and 'Heft'. The prefix 'Sonder-' means 'special' or 'extra'. A 'Sonderheft' (special issue) is therefore literally a special booklet or issue.
Zum Jubiläum der Serie erschien ein Sonderheft mit exklusiven Interviews.
A special issue with exclusive interviews was published for the anniversary of the series.
The prefix 'Sonder-' is used in many German words to indicate something special or additional. Other examples are 'Sonderangebot' (special offer), 'Sonderausstellung' (special exhibition), or 'Sonderzug' (special train).
Im Supermarkt gab es heute Nudeln im Sonderangebot.
There was a special offer on pasta at the supermarket today.
To name the topic of a 'Sonderheft' (special issue), the preposition 'zu' followed by the dative is typically used. Common verbs in this context are 'herausbringen' (to publish/bring out) or 'veröffentlichen' (to publish).
Der Verlag hat ein Sonderheft zur Geschichte der Fotografie veröffentlicht.
The publisher published a special issue on the history of photography.
expense / issue / output
'die Ausgabe' and 'das Sonderheft' can both occur with journals or magazines. 'Ausgabe' is the general word for a particular issue or version. 'Sonderheft' is a special, additional issue, usually on a single topic. They can be confused because a 'Sonderheft' is also a type of 'Ausgabe'. If you simply mean the normal issue of a magazine, 'Ausgabe' is more natural. If the issue appears in addition to the regular schedule and has a special topic, you say 'Sonderheft'.
Mein Vater liest ein Sonderheft über gesunde Ernährung.
My father is reading a special issue about healthy eating.
Nele sucht die Ausgabe vom April, weil darin ein Artikel über Ehrenamt steht.
Nele is looking for the April issue because it contains an article about volunteering.