release
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release
The release of a person or animal from captivity, detention, or confinement.
Die Demonstranten forderten die sofortige Freilassung der politischen Gefangenen.
The demonstrators demanded the immediate release of the political prisoners.
The word is made up of 'frei' (free) and 'Lassung'. The part 'Lassung' is derived from the verb 'lassen' (to let/leave). 'Freilassung' (release) therefore literally means to 'frei zu lassen' (set free) someone or something.
Die Tierschützer feierten die Freilassung der Delfine.
The animal rights activists celebrated the release of the dolphins.
Common verbs used with 'Freilassung' (release) are 'fordern' (to demand), 'verhandeln' (to negotiate), 'erreichen' (to achieve/secure), or 'anordnen' (to order). These combinations describe the process that leads to liberation.
Die Anwältin konnte die Freilassung ihres Mandanten erreichen.
The lawyer was able to secure her client's release.
To specify who is being released, the genitive is usually used. This structure is very common in news reports and official reports.
Die Nachricht über die Freilassung der Journalisten verbreitete sich schnell.
The news about the release of the journalists spread quickly.
liberation / release
When referring to captivity, both words lead to freedom. Befreiung emphasizes that someone is actively freed from captivity, often overcoming an obstacle; Freilassung means that the person or animal being held is let out. Befreiung is therefore appropriate for a rescue operation, while Freilassung is used for letting someone out.
Die Freilassung der Geisel erfolgte nach langen Gesprächen.
The hostage was released after lengthy negotiations.
Die Befreiung der Geisel gelang den Helfern in der Nacht.
The rescuers succeeded in freeing the hostage during the night.
