German word

Freiheit

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈfʁaɪ̯haɪ̯t/

Meaning

  • feminine nounfreedom

Example

Ich genieße meine Freiheit.

I enjoy my freedom.

Illustration for Freiheit (freedom)

More examples

Kinder haben beim Spielen gern viel Freiheit.

Children like having plenty of freedom when they play.

Core concept

A person holds the key to a gate and chooses whether to enter, leave, or take another path.

Common phrases

  • die Freiheit genießen

    enjoy freedom

  • in Freiheit leben

    live in freedom

  • mehr Freiheit haben

    have more freedom

Similar words

Unabhängigkeit: Ability to make choices and decisions without relying on others.
Freiraum: Room or latitude to act or think freely.
Eigenständigkeit: Ability to handle things independently without relying on anyone.
Selbstbestimmung: Power to choose one's own path and make one's own decisions.

Definition in German

Freiheit ist die Möglichkeit des Handelns und Entscheidens ohne fremde Eingriffe; sie kann persönliche, politische oder rechtliche Aspekte haben.

Word origin

The noun developed from Germanic frei and the suffix -heit, and Middle High German forms such as vrîheit are recorded.

Usage tips

  • Freiheit zu plus an infinitive expresses freedom to act, while Freiheit von takes a dative noun for freedom from something.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word