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freudig
joyful
Filled with joy or expressing joy.
example
Sie nahm die Nachricht von ihrer Beförderung freudig auf.
She received the news of her promotion joyfully.
freudig
joyful
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'freudig' (joyful) is derived directly from the noun 'die Freude' (joy). It describes a person or thing that is filled with joy.
EXAMPLE
Es war ein freudiges Wiedersehen nach so langer Zeit.
It was a joyful reunion after such a long time.
Use as an adverb
'Freudig' is very often used as an adverb to describe how an action is carried out. In this case it remains unchanged and gives more detail about the verb.
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder liefen der Mutter freudig entgegen.
The children ran joyfully toward their mother.
Typical collocations
Common combinations are 'freudig überrascht' (joyfully surprised), 'freudig erregt' (joyfully excited), or verbs such as 'freudig erwarten' (to joyfully await), 'freudig begrüßen' (to greet joyfully), and 'freudig zustimmen' (to agree joyfully).
EXAMPLE
Wir erwarten freudig die Ankunft unserer Gäste.
We joyfully await the arrival of our guests.
Compare with
freudig vs glücklich
happy / lucky
'glücklich' and 'freudig' both have to do with joy. 'glücklich' more often describes a person's inner state: someone feels satisfied and happy. 'freudig' often describes how joy becomes visible, for example in a look, a smile, or a greeting. Learners may confuse the words because both are positive. A practical tip: a person is 'glücklich'; a reaction, a face, or a tone is often 'freudig'.
freudig
Als Tom die gute Nachricht hörte, lächelte er freudig.
When Tom heard the good news, he smiled joyfully.
glücklich
Sie ist glücklich, weil ihre Schwester zu Besuch kommt.
She is happy because her sister is coming to visit.
In real life
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