01
ungewöhnlich
unusual
Deviating from the norm, the usual, or what is expected; strange, special, or remarkable.
example
Für April ist dieser plötzliche Schneefall sehr ungewöhnlich.
For April, this sudden snowfall is very unusual.
ungewöhnlich
unusual
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The word is built simply: the prefix 'un-' is a negation, and 'gewöhnlich' means 'normal' or 'usual'. So 'ungewöhnlich' (unusual) literally means 'not usual'.
EXAMPLE
Es ist ungewöhnlich, im Mai noch Schnee zu haben.
It is unusual to still have snow in May.
Two uses
'Ungewöhnlich' (unusual/unusually) can describe a noun (attributively/predicatively) or intensify another adjective or a verb (adverbially). In the second case, it means 'extraordinarily' or 'particularly'.
EXAMPLE
Er hat einen sehr ungewöhnlichen Beruf.
He has a very unusual job.
Use as an adverb
As an adverb, 'ungewöhnlich' (unusually) stands directly before the adjective or adverb it intensifies. It then expresses a high degree. Typical combinations are 'ungewöhnlich hoch' (unusually high), 'ungewöhnlich schnell' (unusually fast), or 'ungewöhnlich ruhig' (unusually quiet).
EXAMPLE
Die Preise für Benzin sind zurzeit ungewöhnlich hoch.
Gas prices are unusually high at the moment.
Compare with
ungewöhnlich vs besonders
especially / special
'besonders' and 'ungewöhnlich' can both say that something is not completely normal or is noticeable. But 'besonders' is broader: it can highlight something positively as important, strong, or special. 'ungewöhnlich' puts more emphasis on something deviating from what is normal or expected. For that reason, 'ungewöhnlich' can also sound a little like 'strange', but it does not have to be negative. Learners may confuse the words because both fit with noticeable things. If you want to highlight something, often use 'besonders'. If you want to say that something is not usual, 'ungewöhnlich' fits better.
ungewöhnlich
Es ist ungewöhnlich, dass er an einem Sonntag so früh im Büro ist.
It is unusual for him to be in the office so early on a Sunday.
besonders
Der Kuchen schmeckt heute besonders gut.
The cake tastes especially good today.
In real life
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