Sonderbericht

Sonderbericht is a German-language term that translates to "special report" or "special dispatch." It denotes a document or broadcast produced outside the regular news cycle to convey urgent, important, or time-sensitive information. The form and authority of a Sonderbericht vary by context and may be issued by news media, government agencies, or corporate entities.

In journalism, a Sonderbericht is used when events demand immediate attention beyond routine coverage. It can accompany developing stories, summarize new facts, or present authoritative statements from officials. Depending on the outlet, a Sonderbericht may appear as a breaking-news bulletin, a dedicated update, or an updated article that supersedes previous coverage.

In government, military, and civil protection domains, the term describes expedited communications intended to inform decision-makers or the public about urgent situations. A Sonderbericht can take the form of an intelligence brief, an emergency advisory, a policy directive, or a real-time situational update. Access to such documents is often restricted, with distribution limited to authorized personnel or agencies.

In corporate or organizational contexts, a Sonderbericht may document crisis responses, high-priority project updates, or timely financial disclosures meant for stakeholders. The exact format—whether a memo, briefing, or formal report—depends on internal protocols and the severity of the information.

The term is widely used in German-speaking environments and is sometimes encountered in translated form in English-language reporting as "special report." Related terms include Sondermeldung and similar crisis-communication designations.