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.
exemption
Release from a general obligation, a levy, or liability. This can concern tax or legal obligations, for example.
Der gemeinnützige Verein hat eine Freistellung von der Körperschaftssteuer beantragt.
The nonprofit organization applied for an exemption from corporate income tax.
'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.
liberation / release
Befreiung is the general term for a situation in which an obligation, fee, or rule does not apply. Freistellung usually refers to this in a regulated legal or professional context, especially when employees temporarily do not have to work. Befreiung is appropriate for general obligations, while Freistellung is usually used in an employment relationship.
Nach ihrer Kündigung erhielt sie eine Freistellung von der Arbeit bis zum Vertragsende.
After giving notice, she was released from work until the end of her contract.
Wegen ihrer Krankheit erhielt sie eine Befreiung von der Pflicht zur Nachtarbeit.
Because of her illness, she was exempt from the requirement to work night shifts.
