liberal
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liberal
Supporting and promoting the personal freedom of the individual and civil liberties. The term is mainly used in political and social contexts.
Die Verfassung garantiert eine freiheitliche Grundordnung.
The constitution guarantees a liberal basic order.
The adjective 'freiheitlich' (liberal/freedom-oriented) is derived directly from the noun 'die Freiheit' (freedom). The ending '-lich' here means 'in the spirit of freedom' or 'related to freedom'.
Er hat eine sehr freiheitliche Einstellung zur Erziehung.
He has a very liberal attitude toward education.
'Freiheitlich' (liberal) is almost always used in political or social contexts. Common combinations are 'freiheitliche Demokratie' (liberal democracy), 'freiheitliche Grundordnung' (liberal basic order), or 'freiheitliche Werte' (liberal values).
Alle Parteien bekannten sich zur freiheitlichen demokratischen Grundordnung.
All parties committed themselves to the free democratic basic order.
This word describes a political or philosophical principle, not a personal characteristic. You would not say that a person is 'freiheitlich' (liberal) to express that they are unconventional or laid-back.
Die Diskussion drehte sich um eine freiheitliche Gesellschaftsordnung.
The discussion centered on a liberal social order.
liberal
Both adjectives can describe a political position that favors greater freedom. Freiheitlich emphasizes personal and civil liberties, while liberal can additionally refer to an open attitude or a free-market economy. When the focus is explicitly on fundamental rights, freiheitlich is more precise; otherwise, liberal may be a broader fit.
Die freiheitliche Verfassung schützt die Rechte aller Bürger.
The liberal constitution protects the rights of all citizens.
Die liberale Partei fordert weniger staatliche Eingriffe in die Wirtschaft.
The liberal party is calling for less government intervention in the economy.
