German word

Freie

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈfʁaɪ̯ə/

Meaning

  • neuter nounoutside

Example

Wir gehen ins Freie.

We are going outside.

Illustration for Freie (outside)

More examples

Die Kinder spielen den ganzen Tag im Freien.

The children play in the open air all day.

Core concept

Open surroundings where no building encloses the space.

Common phrases

  • ins Freie

    into the open air

  • im Freien

    in the open air

  • sich im Freien aufhalten

    spend time outdoors

Similar words

Garten: Outdoor space by a home where plants are grown.
Terrasse: Paved outdoor area beside a building for sitting or dining.
Balkon: Small outdoor platform projecting from a building with a railing.
Außenbereich: Outdoor area outside a building for use or passage.

Definition in German

Das Freie bezeichnet den offenen Raum außerhalb von Gebäuden, also Orte unter freiem Himmel.

Word origin

German formed Freie by substantivizing frei, an inherited Germanic adjective related to Old High German frī, and uses das Freie for outdoor space.

Usage tips

  • The fixed phrase ins Freie uses the accusative after in for movement, whereas im Freien uses the dative for a stationary location.

Other meanings

  • open airnoun

Opposites

  • das Innerethe interiornoun

Related words

Word lists with this word