German word

freiheitlich

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈfʁaɪ̯haɪ̯tlɪç/

Meaning

  • adjectiveliberal

Example

Die Entscheidung spiegelt eine freiheitliche Haltung wider.

The decision reflects a liberal attitude.

Illustration for freiheitlich (liberal)

More examples

Die freiheitliche Bildungspolitik fördert kritisches Denken.

The liberal education policy promotes critical thinking.

Core concept

A political outlook places personal liberty at the center and treats official control as something to limit.

Common phrases

  • freiheitliche Ausrichtung

    liberal orientation

  • freiheitliche Bildungspolitik

    liberal education policy

Similar words

liberal: Supporting individual freedom, often alongside open markets or limited government.
frei: Free from restrictions, ties, or obligations in a particular situation.
unabhängig: Able to act without control, influence, or dependence on others.

Definition in German

Beschreibt eine Einstellung oder Politik, die Freiheit als zentrales Prinzip betrachtet und staatliche Eingriffe möglichst einschränken will.

Word origin

The adjective combines Freiheit, 'freedom', and -lich, a suffix that forms adjectives meaning 'characterized by' or 'connected with' the base noun.

Usage tips

  • Freiheitlich is more formal and abstract than frei, which commonly describes immediate states such as being free, available, or unoccupied.

Other meanings

  • freedom-lovingadjective

Opposites

  • restriktivrestrictiveadjective

Related words

  • Freiheitlichkeitliberalismnoun

Word lists with this word