namentlich

Namentlich is a German word that can function as an adverb and as an attributive adjective. It means "by name," "namely," or "specifically," and is used to single out individuals or items from a larger group or to indicate that something is being named explicitly rather than described in general terms.

Etymology and meaning: The term derives from the noun Name with the suffix -lich, forming a word that denotes naming or specifying by name. In use, namentlich emphasizes the explicit identification of the named elements, rather than a broad or generic reference.

Usage and nuances: Namentlich is typical of formal, administrative, legal, or journalistic German. It often introduces or accompanies lists of named persons or items, or marks a distinction between named and unnamed elements. It can mean "specifically" or "in particular" when contrasted with a broader statement. It is commonly found in phrases such as "die namentlich genannten Personen," "namentlich erwähnt," or "es wurden namentlich drei Fälle genannt." In everyday speech, alternative expressions such as "insbesondere" or "speziell" are more common, but namentlich remains appropriate in precise, official, or academic contexts.

Examples:

- Zu den namentlich genannten Zeugen gehörten Herr Müller und Frau Schneider.

- Es wurden drei Fälle gemeldet, namentlich der Vorfall in Berlin.

Related terms: Namentlich contrasts with allgemein or grundsätzlich, which are broader. The related adjective form namentlich genannt or namentlich erwähnt is frequently used in written German to indicate explicit naming. In English, the closest equivalents are "namely," "specifically," or "the named individuals."