särskilda

Särskilda is a Swedish adjective meaning “special” or “particular,” used to indicate that something is set apart or distinguished from the ordinary. It is commonly used before plural nouns, for example in phrases such as särskilda behov (special needs), särskilda fall (special cases) and särskilda åtgärder (special measures). In public administration, education, healthcare and law, särskilda frequently appears to describe conditions, exemptions or arrangements that require special consideration.

Etymology and forms. The word stems from the combining of s- as a prefix meaning “apart” or “separate” with skild, meaning “distinguished” or “separated.” In Swedish, the plural (and definite plural) form is särskilda, used with plural nouns in either indefinite or definite contexts. The singular form is särskild (en särskild, ett särskilt). There is also the adverb särskilt, meaning “especially” or “particularly,” which is distinct from the adjective form.

Usage notes. Särskilda is primarily used attributively to modify nouns. It conveys that the noun it describes is not generic but chosen for its particular characteristics or requirements. It is somewhat more formal and context-specific than some synonyms like speciell, which is broader and can carry a more general sense of “special” rather than “set apart for a specific purpose.” In everyday language, särskilda is common in official, educational and clinical contexts.

Examples. särskilda behov; särskilda omständigheter (special circumstances); särskilda skolor (special schools); särskilda regler (special rules); de särskilda fallen (the special cases).