free spirit
der Freigeist, die Freigeister
Loading your saved state.
free spirit
A person who thinks independently and freely and does not feel bound by prescribed opinions, rules, or worldviews.
Als Freigeist hinterfragte er jede gesellschaftliche Konvention.
As a free spirit, he questioned every social convention.
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Freigeister |
| genitive | des Freigeists |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Freigeist | die Freigeister |
| accusative | den Freigeist | die Freigeister |
| dative | dem Freigeist | den Freigeistern |
| genitive | des Freigeists des Freigeistes | der Freigeister |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Freigeist' is made up of 'frei' (free) and 'Geist' (spirit). Here, 'Geist' refers to the person's thinking; the compound helps you remember their intellectual independence.
Auch in einer streng traditionellen Familie kann ein Freigeist aufwachsen.
Even in a strictly traditional family, a free spirit can grow up.
Common collocations include 'als Freigeist gelten' (to be considered a free spirit), 'sich als Freigeist verstehen' (to see oneself as a free spirit), and 'jemanden als Freigeist bezeichnen' (to describe someone as a free spirit). These expressions describe how a person sees themselves or how others see them.
Unter ihren Kollegen gilt sie als Freigeist, weil sie auch unbequeme Fragen stellt.
Among her colleagues, she is considered a free spirit because she asks uncomfortable questions as well.
'Freigeist' is often used appreciatively. In particular, the expression 'ein echter Freigeist' (a true free spirit) can express admiration for a person's independent attitude.
Deine Tante ist ein echter Freigeist – ich bewundere, wie wenig sie sich von den Erwartungen anderer beeinflussen lässt.
Your aunt is a true free spirit—I admire how little she lets other people's expectations influence her.
