Erityistapa

Erityistapa is a Finnish noun meaning “special case” or “special method,” used to denote an exception or deviation from standard procedures or rules. The term is typically employed in formal or administrative contexts to indicate that a particular situation requires different handling than usual.

Etymology and form: The word combines erityinen, meaning “special,” with tapa, meaning “case, method, or procedure.” In Finnish usage, erityistapa can refer to both a specific instance and the approach applied to it, depending on the context.

Usage and contexts: In law and public administration, erityistapa is used to describe an exception to general rules, allowing for an alternative procedure, entitlement, or decision when standard rules would be inappropriate. In organizational or educational settings, it can designate a non-standard approach applied to a single case due to unique circumstances, such as a tailored assessment or an exception to a policy. The term emphasizes that the handling of the situation is deliberately different from the norm rather than an error or oversight.

Examples: A permit may be issued as a erityistapa in cases where typical criteria are not fully met but special considerations apply. In a contract, a clause might recognize kuten erilainen erityistapa to address unforeseen events, permitting adjustments outside the usual framework.

See also: Exception, Special case, Finnish language terms for legal and administrative contexts.