01
frei
available
Not occupied, taken, or reserved; available.
example
Entschuldigung, ist dieser Stuhl noch frei?
Excuse me, is this chair still available?
frei
free
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The word family of 'frei' includes 'die Freiheit' (freedom), the verb 'befreien' (to free/liberate), and the noun 'der Freiraum' (free space or personal freedom).
EXAMPLE
Die Gefangenen wurden nach vielen Jahren befreit.
The prisoners were freed after many years.
Word formation with '-frei'
The word 'frei' is often used as an ending in compound adjectives and then means 'without' or 'free of'. Examples are 'zuckerfrei' (sugar-free), 'alkoholfrei' (alcohol-free), or 'fehlerfrei' (error-free).
EXAMPLE
Ich trinke am liebsten alkoholfreies Bier.
I prefer drinking non-alcoholic beer.
'frei sein' vs. 'frei haben'
These two expressions are often confused. A seat or an appointment 'ist frei' (is available). A person 'hat frei' (has time off/does not have to work).
EXAMPLE
Der Platz neben mir ist noch frei.
The seat next to me is still available.
Use of 'frei haben'
The expression 'frei haben' (to have off) always refers to a break from regular obligations such as work or school. The subject is always a person.
EXAMPLE
Die Schüler haben nächste Woche wegen eines Feiertags frei.
The students have next week off because of a public holiday.
Context: Free of charge
In the meaning 'kostenlos' (free of charge), 'frei' is often found on signs, in advertisements, or in official offers. A typical phrase is 'Eintritt frei' (free admission).
EXAMPLE
Die Lieferung ist ab einem Bestellwert von 50 Euro frei.
Delivery is free for orders over 50 euros.
Construction with 'von'
The construction 'frei von' + noun in the dative means that something is not present. It is often used for ingredients or abstract things like worries.
EXAMPLE
Das Produkt ist frei von künstlichen Farbstoffen.
The product is free of artificial colorings.
Fixed expression 'im Freien'
The expression 'im Freien' is a fixed phrase and means 'outside' or 'in the fresh air'. 'Freien' is a nominalized adjective in the dative here.
EXAMPLE
Lass uns heute Abend im Freien essen.
Let's eat outdoors this evening.
Fixed expression
The combination 'frei erfunden' (completely made up) is a fixed expression. It describes a story or claim that is completely invented and not true.
EXAMPLE
Die ganze Geschichte von seinem Lottogewinn war nur frei erfunden.
The whole story about his lottery win was just completely made up.
Compare with
frei vs los
go / loose
'los' and 'frei' can both mean that something no longer binds or burdens you. 'Los' is often used in fixed expressions like 'etwas los sein' (to be rid of something) or 'etwas loswerden' (to get rid of something). This is about no longer having a problem, a worry, or even a thing. 'Frei' describes more of a state: you are not trapped, not restricted, or not burdened by something. The words can be confused because both can express relief. For example, you say 'Ich bin die Schmerzen los' (I am rid of the pain), but 'Ich bin frei von Schmerzen' (I am free of pain) sounds more formal and describes the state.
frei
Nach der Prüfung fühlte sich Anna frei und machte einen langen Spaziergang.
After the exam, Anna felt free and went for a long walk.
los
Nach dem Arztbesuch war ich die starken Schmerzen endlich los.
After the doctor's visit, I was finally rid of the severe pain.
In real life
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