die Befreiung
liberation
The act of freeing someone or something from captivity, oppression, or coercion.
EXAMPLE
Die Befreiung der Stadt wurde von der Bevölkerung gefeiert.
The liberation of the city was celebrated by the population.
die Befreiung
liberation / release
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Meanings
die Befreiung
release
A feeling of great relief after a worry, problem, or unpleasant situation has ended.
EXAMPLE
Die Zusage für den neuen Job war eine riesige Befreiung für ihn.
The acceptance for the new job was a huge release for him.
die Befreiung
exemption
The official release from an obligation, a fee, or a rule.
EXAMPLE
Er hat eine Befreiung von der Zuzahlung für die Medikamente beantragt.
He applied for an exemption from the co-payment for the medication.
Usage tips
Word formation
The noun 'Befreiung' (liberation/release) is derived from the verb 'befreien' (to free/liberate). The ending '-ung' is a typical way to form feminine nouns from verbs that describe an action or process.
EXAMPLE
Die Befreiung der Tiere aus dem Zirkus war eine lange geplante Aktion.
The liberation of the animals from the circus was a long-planned operation.
Use with 'von'
To express what someone or something is freed from, you use the preposition 'von' followed by the dative. This structure works for all meanings of the word.
EXAMPLE
Die Befreiung von den Schulden hat sein Leben verändert.
The release from the debts changed his life.
Context clues
In a historical or political context, 'Befreiung' (liberation) usually means liberation from oppression or captivity. In a personal context, it often describes a feeling of great relief.
EXAMPLE
Der Fall der Mauer war für viele eine Befreiung.
The fall of the Wall was a liberation for many people.
Administrative context
In this meaning, 'Befreiung' (exemption) is almost always used in connection with official obligations, rules, or costs. Typical phrases are 'Befreiung von der Gebührenpflicht' (exemption from fee obligations) or 'Befreiung vom Sportunterricht' (exemption from physical education class).
EXAMPLE
Studenten können eine Befreiung von den Rundfunkgebühren beantragen.
Students can apply for an exemption from broadcasting fees.
Compare with
Befreiung vs Ausnahme
exception
Eine Ausnahme (exception) refers to the special case in which a general rule does not apply. Eine Befreiung (exemption), by contrast, refers to being granted release from an obligation or fee. Use Ausnahme when you mean a deviation from the rule, and Befreiung when someone is officially not required to participate or pay.
Befreiung
Die Schülerin erhielt eine Befreiung von der Teilnahmegebühr.
The student received an exemption from the participation fee.
Ausnahme
Die kostenlose Teilnahme ist eine Ausnahme von der allgemeinen Gebührenregel.
Free participation is an exception to the general fee rule.
In real life
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