außergewöhnliche

Außergewöhnliche is the attributive form of the German adjective außergewöhnlich, meaning unusual or extraordinary. It can describe people, events, objects, or qualities that stand out from the ordinary. In everyday language it often carries a positive nuance, though it can be neutral depending on context.

Etymology and meaning: The word combines außer (outside, beyond) with gewöhnlich (usual, ordinary), conveying something that goes beyond what is typical. As a noun, the capitalized form Das Außergewöhnliche refers to the concept of extraordinariness or to remarkable things in general.

Grammar and usage: Like other German adjectives, außer­gewöhnliche is declined to match gender, number, and case. With definite articles or pronouns, it takes endings such as der außergewöhnliche Mann, die außergewöhnliche Frau, das außergewöhnliche Ereignis, die außergewöhnlichen Ereignisse. With an indefinite article, it becomes ein außergewöhnliches Phänomen. When used without an article, it appears as außergewöhnliche Leistungen, außergewöhnliche Ideen, and similar plural constructions. The related nominal form, Das Außergewöhnliche, is used to denote the idea or quality of extraordinariness itself.

Nuance and synonyms: The term often implies noteworthy or remarkable characteristics. Synonyms include außergewöhnlich, bemerkenswert, ungewöhnlich, and sonderbar, though sonderbar can carry a more odd or oddball connotation. Antonyms include gewöhnlich, alltäglich, normal, and typischerweise.

Related forms and notes: The noun Außergewöhnlichkeit denotes the quality of being extraordinary. In cultural or artistic contexts, außer-gewöhnliche Leistungen or Werke frequently highlights exceptional creativity or impact.