die  Sonderregelung

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈzɔndɐˌʁeːɡlʊŋ/

📜 What does "die Sonderregelung" mean?

Die Sonderregelung (feminine noun) refers to a regulation or rule that deviates from the general or usual rule. It represents an exception for specific cases, persons, or situations. You could also describe it as a special provision or a special procedure that applies only under certain circumstances.

• An exception rule (Ausnahmeregelung): It doesn't apply to everyone, only in specific contexts.
• A specific provision (spezifische Vorschrift): It often details a deviation from the standard.

⚠️ It's important to know the exact scope of a Sonderregelung to avoid misunderstandings.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📊 Grammar in Detail: Die Sonderregelung

The noun "Sonderregelung" is feminine. The article is "die".

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

💡 Example Sentences

1. Für Rentner gibt es eine Sonderregelung bei der Ticketpreisgestaltung.
   (There is a special regulation for pensioners regarding ticket prices.)
2. Die Firma beantragte eine Sonderregelung für die Arbeitszeiten während des Projekts.
   (The company applied for a special regulation for working hours during the project.)
3. In der Prüfung wurde eine Sonderregelung für Studierende mit Behinderung getroffen.
   (A special provision was made in the exam for students with disabilities.)
4. Wir müssen die Details der Sonderregelung genau prüfen.
   (We need to examine the details of the special regulation carefully.)
5. Viele Ausnahmen erfordern komplexe Sonderregelungen.
   (Many exceptions require complex special regulations.)

🔧 When to use "Sonderregelung"?

The term "Sonderregelung" is often used in formal contexts, especially in law, administration, and business. It describes situations where there is a deviation from a norm or standard.

• Law & Administration: Laws or ordinances may contain Sonderregelungen for specific groups (e.g., minorities, certain professional groups) or situations (e.g., emergencies, transition periods).
• Contracts & Agreements: In employment contracts, rental agreements, or business deals, Sonderregelungen can define specific deviations from standard clauses.
• Everyday Life: The term can also be used in everyday life when an exception is made for someone, e.g., regarding rules at school, in a club, or even within the family.

Compared to "Ausnahme" (exception), "Sonderregelung" often emphasizes the formal, established character of the deviation. An "Extrawurst" (colloquial, literally 'extra sausage') refers to often informal, sometimes critically viewed special treatment.

🧠 How to remember "die Sonderregelung"

Article Mnemonic

Think of 'regulation' in English. While not a perfect match grammatically, associate the concept of a formal Regelung (regulation) which is feminine in German (die Regelung) with the special version: die Sonderregelung. Imagine a special queen (feminine) making her own unique rules.

Meaning Mnemonic

Focus on "Sonder-" which sounds a bit like 'special' or 'sundered' (separated). A Sonderregelung is a 'special' regulation or one that is 'sundered' (separated) from the normal rules – an exception.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Words

🚨 Potential Confusion:

Sometimes "Sonderregelung" might be confused with "Sonderangebot", but the latter refers to a special offer or sale price.

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Chef den neuen Mitarbeiter: "Kennen Sie die wichtigste Regel bei uns?"
Mitarbeiter: "Ja, Chef: Für den Chef gibt es immer eine Sonderregelung!" 😉

Translation:
The boss asks the new employee: "Do you know the most important rule here?"
Employee: "Yes, boss: There's always a special regulation for the boss!" 😉

✍️ Poem about Sonderregelung

Die Regel gilt für groß und klein,
so sollte es im Grunde sein.
Doch manchmal, leis und unumwunden,
wird eine Sonderregelung gefunden.

Für diesen Fall, für jene Zeit,
hält sie 'ne Abweichung bereit.
Nicht immer fair, nicht immer klar,
doch manchmal ist sie einfach da.

Translation:
The rule applies to big and small,
that's how it basically should be for all.
But sometimes, quiet and candidly,
a special regulation can be found readily.

For this case, for that specific time,
it holds a deviation, quite sublime.
Not always fair, not always clear,
but sometimes it's simply here.

🧩 Little Riddle

Ich bin eine Regel, doch nicht für jedermann,
ich weiche vom Standard ab, dann und wann.
In Gesetzen und Verträgen findest du mich oft,
habe für spezielle Fälle auf Gültigkeit gehofft.

Was bin ich?

Translation:
I am a rule, but not for everyone,
I deviate from the standard, now and then.
In laws and contracts, you often find me,
Hoping for validity in special cases, you see.

What am I?

Solution: die Sonderregelung (the special regulation)

ℹ️ Further Information

Word Formation

The word "Sonderregelung" is a compound noun, composed of:

• Sonder-: Prefixoid, derived from the adjective "besonder" (special) or adverb "sonder" (separately), meaning 'special', 'separate', 'distinct'.
• Regelung: Noun form of the verb "regeln" (to regulate, to arrange), meaning 'regulation', 'rule', 'arrangement', 'procedure'.

Together, the meaning is: a special regulation deviating from the norm.