German word

gratis

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈgʁaːtɪs/

Meaning

  • adverbfor free

Example

Ich habe das Ticket gratis bekommen.

I got the ticket for free.

Illustration for gratis (for free)

More examples

Viele Geschäfte bieten Proben gratis an.

Many shops offer free samples.

Core concept

A favor is handed over with the price tag removed, whether it is a gift or a complimentary service.

Common phrases

  • etwas gratis bekommen

    get something for free

  • etwas gratis anbieten

    offer something for free

  • etwas gratis testen

    try something for free

Similar words

kostenlos: Available at no cost or charge.
umsonst: Received without paying, in a casual everyday context.
kostenfrei: Available without any costs or expenses.
gebührenfrei: Available without fees or extra charges.

Definition in German

als Angebot oder Gefälligkeit ohne Kosten gegeben werden

Word origin

The German adverb gratis preserves the Latin idea of something supplied 'as a favor'; Latin grātīs is the ablative plural of grātia.

Usage tips

  • Gratis often sounds promotional, while kostenlos is generally the more neutral choice in formal notices.

Related words

  • Gratisangebotfree offernoun
  • Gratisprobefree samplenoun
  • Gratiszugangfree accessnoun

Word lists with this word