sich freuen auf
to look forward to
To feel positive expectation and anticipation for a future event.
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder freuen sich schon seit Wochen auf die Sommerferien.
The children have been looking forward to the summer holidays for weeks.
freuen
to look forward / to be pleased
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
sich freuen über
to be pleased about
To feel joy or happiness about something that has already happened or is present.
EXAMPLE
Sie hat sich sehr über die Blumen gefreut.
She was very pleased about the flowers.
freuen
to please
To bring someone joy. Often used in formal or polite contexts.
EXAMPLE
Es freut mich, Sie heute hier begrüßen zu dürfen.
It pleases me to be able to welcome you here today.
Usage tips
Reflexive verb
The verb 'freuen' (to be happy / to please) is almost always used reflexively, that is, with 'sich'. The reflexive pronoun must match the person: ich freue mich, du freust dich, wir freuen uns.
EXAMPLE
Ich freue mich schon auf das Konzert am Samstag.
I'm already looking forward to the concert on Saturday.
Difference: auf vs. über
The preposition shows what the joy refers to. 'Sich freuen auf' (+ accusative) describes looking forward to something in the future. 'Sich freuen über' (+ accusative) describes being pleased about something present or past.
EXAMPLE
Ich freue mich auf meinen Geburtstag nächste Woche.
I'm looking forward to my birthday next week.
Formal use
The non-reflexive form 'freuen' (to please) is often used in formal or polite situations. The person who is pleased is in the accusative, and the subject is often the impersonal 'es' (it).
EXAMPLE
Es freut mich, Sie kennenzulernen.
It pleases me to meet you.
Compare with
freuen vs gefallen
to please / to fall
„Gefallen“ describes something that seems pleasant to someone or is liked by them. „Freuen“, by contrast, refers to the joy that something causes someone, often a piece of news or an event. Use „gefallen“ for a positive opinion and „freuen“ for the joy someone feels.
freuen
Die gute Nachricht freut mich sehr.
The good news makes me very happy.
gefallen
Die neue Gestaltung gefällt mir sehr.
I really like the new design.
In real life
Loading video examples...