A German word meaning special unit. Typically, the Sonderkommando were a group of prisoners who were forced to work in the gas chambers and crematoria in extermination camps. A German word meaning special unit. Typically, the Sonderkommando were a group of prisoners who were forced to work in the gas chambers and crematoria in extermination camps. A German word meaning special unit. Typically, the Sonderkommando were a group of prisoners who were forced to work in the gas chambers and crematoria in extermination camps. A German word meaning special unit. Typically, the Sonderkommando were a group of prisoners who were forced to work in the gas chambers and crematoria in extermination camps.