freilassen
to release
To release a person or animal from captivity, detention, or an enclosure into freedom.
EXAMPLE
Der Zoo hat den genesenen Vogel wieder in der Wildnis freigelassen.
The zoo released the recovered bird back into the wild.
freilassen
to release
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Meanings
freilassen
to release
To give off or release energy or a substance in a physical or chemical process.
EXAMPLE
Bei der chemischen Reaktion wird eine große Menge an Wärme freigelassen.
A large amount of heat is released during the chemical reaction.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Freilassen' (to release) is a separable verb. The prefix 'frei-' comes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Der Fischer lässt den kleinen Fisch wieder frei.
The fisherman releases the small fish again.
Word structure
The verb is made up of 'frei' (free) and 'lassen' (to let/leave). The meaning is literal: to let someone or something become free, or to release them into freedom.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Ende des Experiments wurden die Versuchstiere freigelassen.
After the end of the experiment, the test animals were released.
Typical collocations
In this meaning, 'freilassen' (to release) is often combined with living beings. Typical phrases are 'Tiere in die Wildnis freilassen' (to release animals into the wild), 'Gefangene freilassen' (to release prisoners), or 'Geiseln freilassen' (to release hostages).
EXAMPLE
Die Organisation kämpft dafür, die politischen Gefangenen freizulassen.
The organization is fighting to have the political prisoners released.
Technical context
This meaning is used almost exclusively in scientific or technical contexts. The object is then usually something abstract such as 'Energie' (energy), 'Wärme' (heat), or chemical 'Stoffe' (substances).
EXAMPLE
Wenn das Material erhitzt wird, lässt es Gase frei.
When the material is heated, it releases gases.
Compare with
freilassen vs entlassen
to dismiss / discharge
For a person in detention, both entlassen and freilassen can express the end of being held. Entlassen emphasizes the orderly departure from an institution, while freilassen focuses more strongly on the freedom regained. Use entlassen for the institutional process and freilassen for ending the captivity.
freilassen
Die Polizei ließ den Gefangenen nach der Prüfung der Beweise frei.
The police released the prisoner after reviewing the evidence.
entlassen
Die Haftanstalt entließ den Gefangenen nach dem Ende seiner Haftzeit.
The prison discharged the prisoner after the end of his sentence.
In real life
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