Significado
To ask for something specific or unusual that deviates from the norm.
Contexto cultural
The 'Extrawurst' culture: Germans often use the term 'Extrawurst' to describe someone who wants special treatment. While 'Sonderwunsch' is the polite term you use for yourself, 'Extrawurst' is what others might call it if they think you're being difficult. In Vienna's coffee houses, having a 'Sonderwunsch' is part of the tradition. There are specific names for almost every possible variation of coffee, making the 'special request' the standard. Swiss service is highly precise. A 'Sonderwunsch' is often treated with great care but might be documented very formally. The term 'Spezialfall' (special case) is also frequently used. In the era of 'Mass Customization', German companies like BMW or Adidas have built entire systems to handle 'Sonderwünsche' at scale, turning the idiom into a business model.
Be Polite
Always start with 'Darf ich...' or 'Ich hätte da...' to make your Sonderwunsch sound less like a demand.
The 'Extrawurst' Trap
Don't use 'Extrawurst' for yourself unless you are being funny/ironic. It can sound entitled.
Significado
To ask for something specific or unusual that deviates from the norm.
Be Polite
Always start with 'Darf ich...' or 'Ich hätte da...' to make your Sonderwunsch sound less like a demand.
The 'Extrawurst' Trap
Don't use 'Extrawurst' for yourself unless you are being funny/ironic. It can sound entitled.
Business Context
In emails, use 'Sonderwünsche' to categorize client requests that are out of scope—it sounds professional and organized.
The 'Nein' Factor
Be prepared for a 'Nein' in Germany if the Sonderwunsch is too complex. It's not personal; it's just the rules.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the correct form of the indefinite article.
Entschuldigung, ich hätte gerne ____ Sonderwunsch.
'Wunsch' is masculine and the direct object of the sentence (accusative).
Which verb is most commonly used with 'Sonderwunsch' in a restaurant?
Ich ____ einen Sonderwunsch.
'Haben' is the standard idiomatic verb for this phrase.
Complete the dialogue with the most polite option.
Kellner: 'Möchten Sie bestellen?' Gast: 'Ja, aber ____.'
This is the most polite and standard way to introduce a modification.
Match the phrase to the context.
In which situation would you most likely say 'Wir können leider keine Sonderwünsche berücksichtigen'?
Standardized, high-speed environments often cannot accommodate exceptions.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Sonderwunsch vs. Extrawurst
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosEntschuldigung, ich hätte gerne ____ Sonderwunsch.
'Wunsch' is masculine and the direct object of the sentence (accusative).
Ich ____ einen Sonderwunsch.
'Haben' is the standard idiomatic verb for this phrase.
Kellner: 'Möchten Sie bestellen?' Gast: 'Ja, aber ____.'
This is the most polite and standard way to introduce a modification.
In which situation would you most likely say 'Wir können leider keine Sonderwünsche berücksichtigen'?
Standardized, high-speed environments often cannot accommodate exceptions.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNo, you can use the plural 'Sonderwünsche' if you have more than one request.
No, you have a Sonderwunsch *regarding* a service or product, not *for* a person.
Not if you ask politely. Germans value clarity, so stating it clearly is often appreciated.
'Sonderwunsch' is neutral/polite; 'Extrawurst' is informal and often implies someone is being annoying or entitled.
You can say 'Keine Sonderwünsche' or 'Ich habe keine Sonderwünsche.'
Yes, it's very common in business emails to discuss specific client needs.
Usually, yes. It's either an addition or a modification of the standard.
Use 'einen Sonderwunsch erfüllen' (to fulfill) or 'berücksichtigen' (to take into account).
In slang, people might just say 'Sonderding' or 'Extrawurst', but 'Sonderwunsch' is already quite efficient.
Sometimes people jokingly say they have 'viele Sonderwünsche' for a partner, meaning they are picky.
Frases relacionadas
eine Extrawurst verlangen
similarTo demand special treatment.
aus der Reihe tanzen
similarTo step out of line / behave differently.
einen Wunsch frei haben
contrastTo have one wish (often magic).
individuelle Wünsche
synonymIndividual wishes.
Sonderbehandlung
similarSpecial treatment.
