German word

Freistaat

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈfʁaɪ̯ˌʃtaːt/

Meaning

  • masculine nounfree state

Example

In Deutschland gibt es mehrere Freistaaten.

There are several free states in Germany.

Illustration for Freistaat (free state)

More examples

Die Verfassung des Freistaates legt die Kompetenzen zwischen Land und Bund fest.

The constitution of the free state establishes the allocation of powers between the state and the federation.

Core concept

A region on a federal map carrying a title that signals its republican political tradition.

Common phrases

  • die Verfassung des Freistaates

    the free state's constitution

  • die Regierung des Freistaates

    the free state's government

Similar words

Bundesland: A constituent state in a federal country such as Germany.
Land: An administrative region within a country.
Staat: A territory with its own government and governing institutions.

Definition in German

Ein Freistaat ist ein Bundesland, das in seinem offiziellen Namen 'Freistaat' führt und historisch als republikanischer, nicht monarchischer Staat verstanden wird.

Word origin

Freistaat combines German frei ('free') and Staat ('state'); after the monarchies ended in 1918, several German states used the compound in official names.

Usage tips

  • In names such as Freistaat Bayern, Freistaat is a historical official title, not a claim that the state is an independent country.

Opposites

Related words

  • Freistaatsregierungfree state governmentnoun
  • Freistaatsverfassungfree state constitutionnoun

Word lists with this word