German Conversation · Level 49
73 words
German word
befreien
Pronunciation
IPA/bəˈfʁaɪ̯ən/
Meaning
- verbfree
Example
Die Soldaten befreiten die Gefangenen.
The soldiers freed the prisoners.
More examples
Der Rettungshubschrauber befreite die Frau aus der Gefahr.
The rescue helicopter saved the woman from danger.
Core concept
A person or thing leaves a trap, danger, or obligation and stands in open space.
Common phrases
aus der Gefahr befreien
save from danger
aus dem Feuer befreien
save from the fire
Similar words
sich befreien: To escape on one's own from bonds, danger, or an unpleasant situation.
entkommen: To escape from a place of confinement or from danger.
freilassen: To release a person or animal that has been held captive.
retten: To rescue someone from a dangerous situation and keep them safe.
Definition in German
jemanden oder etwas aus einer Zwangslage, Gefahr oder Pflicht in einen Zustand der Freiheit bringen; auch reflexiv gebraucht: sich von etwas befreien
Word origin
Befreien is formed from the Germanic adjective "frei" with the prefix "be-" and the verb ending "-en", giving the sense of making free.
Usage tips
- Befreien commonly takes aus for release from a danger or situation and von for release from an obligation or burden.
Other meanings
- rescueverb
- exemptverb
Opposites
- festhaltenhold captiveverb
- fangencaptureverb