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.
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.
custody / imprisonment
'die Freiheit' and 'die Haft' are opposites in this context. Freedom means that someone is not imprisoned and can move around freely. 'Haft' means that someone is being held by the police or judicial authorities, or is in prison. The words can be confused especially in sentences about courts or the police, because both describe a person's legal status. For example, you say 'in Haft sein' (to be in custody / prison), but 'in Freiheit sein' (to be free) or 'die Freiheit verlieren' (to lose one's freedom).
Nach vielen Jahren im Gefängnis genießt er seine Freiheit.
After many years in prison, he is enjoying his freedom.
Nach dem Urteil muss Herr Yilmaz mehrere Monate in Haft.
After the verdict, Mr. Yilmaz has to spend several months in prison.