freundlich
friendly
Showing pleasant, courteous, and kind behavior toward other people.
EXAMPLE
Der neue Kollege ist sehr freundlich und hilfsbereit.
The new colleague is very friendly and helpful.
freundlich
friendly
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Meanings
freundlich
bright / inviting
Having a pleasant, bright, and inviting atmosphere or appearance.
EXAMPLE
Die Wohnung ist mit ihren großen Fenstern sehr hell und freundlich.
With its large windows, the apartment is very bright and inviting.
mit freundlichen Grüßen
kind regards
A common, formal closing phrase at the end of letters or emails.
EXAMPLE
Wir freuen uns auf Ihre Antwort. Mit freundlichen Grüßen, die Geschäftsleitung.
We look forward to your reply. Kind regards, the management.
Usage tips
Word formation
The adjective 'freundlich' (friendly) is made up of the noun 'Freund' (friend) and the ending '-lich' (-ly/-like). So it literally means 'like a friend' or 'in the manner of a friend'.
EXAMPLE
Er hat eine sehr freundliche Art, mit Menschen zu sprechen.
He has a very friendly way of speaking with people.
Use with a preposition
To express who the friendly behavior is directed toward, the preposition 'zu' with the dative is often used. The structure is: 'freundlich zu jemandem sein' (to be friendly to someone).
EXAMPLE
Die Lehrerin ist immer freundlich zu den Schülern.
The teacher is always friendly to the students.
Context clue
When 'freundlich' (friendly) describes a person, it refers to their character. If it describes a place, objects, or the weather, however, it means 'pleasant', 'bright', or 'inviting'.
EXAMPLE
Das Zimmer wirkt durch die hellen Farben sehr freundlich.
The room feels very bright and inviting because of the light colors.
Fixed closing phrase
The phrase 'Mit freundlichen Grüßen' (Kind regards) is the standard closing phrase at the end of formal letters and emails. In quick digital communication, it is sometimes abbreviated as 'MfG'.
EXAMPLE
Vielen Dank für Ihre schnelle Antwort. Mit freundlichen Grüßen, Anna Schmidt.
Thank you for your quick reply. Kind regards, Anna Schmidt.
Compare with
liebnettwarmherzlichangenehmsympathischhöflichgefällighilfsbereitfreundschaftlicheinladendliebenswürdigzuvorkommend
freundlich vs lieb
nice / dear
Lieb and freundlich can both describe a kind and considerate way of treating others. Freundlich focuses more on visible, pleasant, and courteous behavior. Lieb also conveys personal warmth or kindness and therefore often sounds more emotional.
freundlich
Die Pflegerin begrüßt den ängstlichen Patienten freundlich und bietet ihm einen Sitzplatz an.
The nurse warmly greets the frightened patient and offers him a seat.
lieb
Die Pflegerin ist sehr lieb und tröstet den ängstlichen Patienten.
The nurse is very kind and comforts the frightened patient.
In real life
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