German word

liberal

Pronunciation

IPA/libeˈʁaːl/

Meaning

  • adjectivetolerant

Example

Die Lehrer zeigen eine liberale Haltung.

The teachers show a tolerant attitude.

Illustration for liberal (tolerant)

More examples

Er äußert oft liberale Meinungen.

He often voices tolerant views.

Core concept

A mind that leaves room for different ideas, lifestyles, and opinions instead of insisting on one fixed doctrine.

Common phrases

  • eine liberale Haltung gegenüber Minderheiten

    a tolerant attitude toward minorities

  • liberale Meinungen äußern

    voice tolerant views

  • liberale Werte verteidigen

    stand up for tolerant values

Similar words

aufgeschlossen: Receptive to unfamiliar ideas and willing to engage with different kinds of people.
tolerant: Respecting differing opinions and behavior without harsh criticism or disapproval.
offen: Expressing thoughts and feelings frankly rather than keeping them hidden.

Definition in German

Offen für neue Ideen und Lebensformen, nicht dogmatisch und verschiedene Meinungen respektierend.

Word origin

German liberal comes through French libéral from Latin liberalis, derived from liber meaning "free," and developed the sense of freedom from rigid authority.

Usage tips

  • In German, liberal can describe a tolerant attitude as well as a political position, so context determines whether it means open-minded or politically liberal.

Other meanings

  • liberaladjective
  • open-mindedadjective

Opposites

  • engstirnignarrow-mindedadjective
  • intolerantintolerantadjective

Related words

  • Liberalitätliberalitynoun
  • Liberalismusliberalismnoun

Word lists with this word