Free State
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Free State
The official designation for some federal states in Germany (Bavaria, Saxony, Thuringia), emphasizing their republican tradition.
München ist die Hauptstadt des Freistaates Bayern.
Munich is the capital of the Free State of Bavaria.
This word consists of 'frei' (free) and 'Staat' (state). It literally describes a state that is 'free' from a monarch, meaning a republic.
Die Weimarer Republik war der erste demokratische Freistaat auf deutschem Boden.
The Weimar Republic was the first democratic free state on German soil.
Today, 'Freistaat' (Free State) is an official, historical designation for only three German federal states: Bavaria, Saxony, and Thuringia. It has no special legal status compared with other federal states.
Der Tourismus ist im Freistaat Sachsen ein wichtiger Wirtschaftsfaktor.
Tourism is an important economic factor in the Free State of Saxony.
When the name of one of the three federal states (Bavaria, Saxony, Thuringia) is mentioned, the modern meaning is intended. In historical texts, often in connection with the abolition of the monarchy, the general meaning 'Republik' (republic) is intended.
Die Landtagswahl im Freistaat Thüringen findet alle fünf Jahre statt.
The state parliament election in the Free State of Thuringia takes place every five years.
country / countryside / land
'das Land' and 'der Freistaat' can both mean a political unit. But 'Land' is much more general: it can be an independent country or also a federal state such as Bavaria or Saxony. 'Freistaat' is more specific and today is mainly used as the official name for some German federal states, for example Bavaria, Saxony, and Thuringia. Historically, 'Freistaat' can also mean a state without a monarch. The words can be confused because a Freistaat is also a Land or federal state. But not every Land is a Freistaat.
Der Freistaat Bayern liegt im Süden von Deutschland.
The Free State of Bavaria is located in southern Germany.
Deutschland ist ein Land in Europa.
Germany is a country in Europe.