German word

Freiwillige

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈfʁaɪ̯vɪlɪgə/

Meaning

  • noun (m./f.)volunteer

Example

Die Freiwillige hilft im Krankenhaus.

The volunteer helps at the hospital.

Illustration for Freiwillige (volunteer)

More examples

Als Freiwillige betreut sie die Senioren.

As a volunteer, she looks after the elderly.

Core concept

A person freely lends time or effort to a group, cause, or task instead of being required to do it.

Common phrases

  • ehrenamtliche Freiwillige

    unpaid volunteer

  • als Freiwillige

    as a volunteer

Similar words

Ehrenamtlicher: A person who takes on an ongoing unpaid role for the public good.
Helfer: A person who provides practical help or support.
Volontär: A person who works for a set period in an organization to gain experience.
Praktikant: A person who works for a set period to gain practical or educational experience.

Definition in German

Person, die aus eigenem Entschluss bei einer Tätigkeit oder Organisation mitarbeitet, oft ohne Bezahlung.

Word origin

The noun 'Freiwillige' comes from the adjective 'freiwillig', a compound of 'frei' and 'willig', and uses the feminine adjective ending as a noun.

Usage tips

  • In 'freiwillige Helfer', 'freiwillige' is a lowercase adjective, whereas 'die Freiwilligen' is the capitalized noun for volunteers.

Opposites

Related words

  • Freiwilligendienstvolunteer servicenoun
  • freiwilligvoluntaryadjective

Word lists with this word