freedom
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freedom
The right to act, speak, or think without improper restrictions. This includes political and personal freedoms such as freedom of speech or freedom of religion.
Die Freiheit der Presse ist ein Grundpfeiler der Demokratie.
Freedom of the press is a cornerstone of democracy.
freedom
The state of not being imprisoned, enslaved, or restricted in one's personal movement.
Nach seiner Freilassung genoss der politische Gefangene jeden Moment seiner neuen Freiheit.
After his release, the political prisoner enjoyed every moment of his new freedom.
to take the liberty
To do something that you give yourself the right to do, even if it may be unusual or presumptuous.
Ich habe mir die Freiheit genommen, schon mal Kaffee für alle zu kochen.
I took the liberty of making coffee for everyone already.
The noun 'Freiheit' (freedom) is derived from the adjective 'frei' (free). The ending '-heit' often forms abstract nouns from adjectives and describes a state or quality.
Gesundheit ist für viele Menschen wichtiger als Reichtum.
Health is more important than wealth for many people.
The expression 'sich die Freiheit nehmen' (to take the liberty) means that you do something by your own decision. Pay attention to the reflexive structure: the person allowing themselves something is in the dative (mir, dir, sich).
Er hat sich die Freiheit genommen, den Termin ohne Rücksprache zu verschieben.
He took the liberty of moving the appointment without consulting anyone.
To specify what kind of freedom is meant, the genitive is often used. Especially common are 'Freiheit der Meinung' (freedom of opinion), 'Freiheit der Presse' (freedom of the press), or 'Freiheit der Kunst' (artistic freedom).
Journalisten kämpfen weltweit für die Freiheit der Presse.
Journalists around the world fight for freedom of the press.
In the context of imprisonment, 'Freiheit' is often combined with verbs such as 'genießen' (to enjoy), 'wiedererlangen' (to regain), or 'schenken' (to give/grant).
Nach Jahren im Gefängnis konnte er endlich seine Freiheit wiedererlangen.
After years in prison, he was finally able to regain his freedom.
right / law
Das Recht refers to a specific moral or legal entitlement. Die Freiheit means the protected space in which people can act, speak, or think without impermissible restrictions. Recht is therefore used for a specific entitlement, while Freiheit is more appropriate for the general possibility to do something.
Die Freiheit, seine Meinung öffentlich zu sagen, muss geschützt werden.
The freedom to express one’s opinion publicly must be protected.
Jeder hat das Recht, seine Meinung öffentlich zu sagen.
Everyone has the right to express their opinion publicly.
