release / exemption
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release from work
In labor law, the release of an employee from their obligation to perform work while the employment relationship continues. This often happens after termination for the duration of the notice period, usually with continued salary payment.
Nach seiner Kündigung erhielt der Mitarbeiter die sofortige Freistellung bis zum Vertragsende.
After his termination, the employee was granted immediate release from work until the end of the contract.
'Freistellung' (release/exemption) is the noun form of the separable verb 'freistellen'. The verb means to release someone or something from a duty or task. If you know the verb, the noun is easier to understand too.
Der Chef stellte ihn für den Rest der Woche von der Arbeit frei.
The boss released him from work for the rest of the week.
This word is a formal term from the legal and administrative sphere. You typically find it in employment contracts, official letters, and legal texts.
Im Schreiben wurde ihm die Freistellung von allen dienstlichen Pflichten mitgeteilt.
The letter informed him of his release from all official duties.
The context makes the meaning clear. In connection with 'Arbeit' (work), 'Mitarbeiter' (employee), or 'Kündigung' (termination), it is about release from the obligation to work. With words like 'Steuer' (tax) or 'Haftung' (liability), it is about a legal or financial exemption.
Nach der Kündigung erfolgte die Freistellung bei vollem Gehalt.
After the termination, he was released from work at full salary.
'Freistellung' (release/exemption) is almost always used with the preposition 'von' and the dative to indicate what someone is being released or exempted from.
Die Freistellung von der Zahlungspflicht muss schriftlich beantragt werden.
The exemption from the payment obligation must be requested in writing.
vacation / leave
'Urlaub' and 'Freistellung' can both mean that someone does not have to work for a period of time. 'Urlaub' sounds normal and everyday when talking about rest, travel, or your own free time. 'Freistellung' is much more formal and is used especially in labor law, for example after termination or for a special work-related reason. The words can be confused because in both cases the obligation to work is removed. But 'Urlaub' is usually planned and meant for rest, while 'Freistellung' is more of an official decision by the employer.
Nach der Kündigung bekam der Mitarbeiter eine Freistellung bis zum Ende des Monats.
After the termination, the employee was released from work until the end of the month.
Sie nimmt nächste Woche Urlaub, weil sie ans Meer fahren möchte.
She is taking vacation next week because she wants to go to the seaside.