die Freigabe
approval
Official permission or authorization to use, publish, sell, or begin something.
EXAMPLE
Der Softwareentwickler wartet auf die Freigabe des neuen Updates.
The software developer is waiting for approval of the new update.
die Freigabe
approval / release
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Meanings
die Freigabe
reopening / release
The lifting of a closure or blockage so that something is accessible or passable again.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Unfall dauerte die Freigabe der Autobahn mehrere Stunden.
After the accident, the reopening of the highway took several hours.
die Freigabe
sharing / access
In information technology, the permission that grants other users access to a file, folder, or resource in a network.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe dir den Link zur Freigabe des Dokuments geschickt.
I sent you the link for sharing the document.
Usage tips
Word structure
'Freigabe' (approval/release) is the noun form of the verb 'freigeben' (to release/approve). It is made up of 'frei' (free) and 'Gabe' (giving) and describes the act or result of 'frei zu geben' (to release), that is, to permit something or make it accessible.
EXAMPLE
Die Freigabe der neuen Softwareversion erfolgt morgen.
The release of the new software version will take place tomorrow.
Sentence structure with genitive
Very often, a genitive or the preposition 'für' (for) is used to specify exactly what is being approved or released. This is typical in formal and official contexts.
EXAMPLE
Die Freigabe des Budgets steht noch aus.
The approval of the budget is still pending.
Typical collocations
In the context of permissions, 'Freigabe' (approval) is often used with the verbs 'erteilen' (to grant), 'erhalten' (to receive), or 'benötigen' (to need). These combinations are very common in professional and administrative life.
EXAMPLE
Der Projektleiter muss die Freigabe für die nächste Phase erteilen.
The project manager has to grant approval for the next phase.
Context: traffic and construction
When it refers to lifting a closure, you will usually find 'Freigabe' (reopening/release) in connection with traffic routes. Typical nouns are 'Autobahn' (highway), 'Straße' (road), 'Brücke' (bridge), or 'Strecke' (route/section).
EXAMPLE
Die Polizei kündigte die Freigabe der Brücke für den Abend an.
The police announced the reopening of the bridge for the evening.
Context: information technology
In IT, 'Freigabe' (sharing/access) refers to access permission for digital resources. Signal words for this meaning are 'Datei' (file), 'Ordner' (folder), 'Netzwerk' (network), or 'Link' (link).
EXAMPLE
Kannst du mir bitte die Freigabe für diesen Ordner erteilen?
Could you please give me access to this folder?
Compare with
Freigabe vs Genehmigung
approval / permit
Both words refer to official permission. Genehmigung is formal approval for a specific project, while Freigabe emphasizes that something may then be used, published, sold, or started. Genehmigung is more appropriate for the administrative act, and Freigabe for the subsequent use.
Freigabe
Nach der Prüfung erteilte der Verlag die Freigabe zur Veröffentlichung des Buches.
After the review, the publisher authorized the book for publication.
Genehmigung
Für die Veröffentlichung des Buches erteilte die Behörde die Genehmigung.
The authorities granted approval for the book to be published.
In real life
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