01
kostenlos
free
Without having to pay for it; free of charge.
example
Der Versand ist bei einer Bestellung über 50 Euro kostenlos.
Shipping is free for orders over 50 euros.
kostenlos
free
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of 'Kosten' (costs) and the suffix '-los' (-less). The suffix '-los' means 'without,' so 'kostenlos' literally means 'without costs.'
EXAMPLE
Die Teilnahme am Webinar ist für alle kostenlos.
Participation in the webinar is free for everyone.
Use as an adverb
'Kostenlos' can be used like an adverb to describe a verb. In this case, it is not declined and often appears at the end of the sentence or after the verb.
EXAMPLE
Sie können die App kostenlos im App Store herunterladen.
You can download the app for free from the App Store.
Typical collocations
The word 'kostenlos' (free) is often combined with services or offers. Typical examples are: 'kostenloser Eintritt' (free admission), 'kostenloses WLAN' (free Wi-Fi), or 'eine kostenlose Probe' (a free sample).
EXAMPLE
Viele Cafés bieten ihren Kunden kostenloses WLAN an.
Many cafés offer their customers free Wi-Fi.
Compare with
kostenlos vs frei
free
'frei' and 'kostenlos' can both mean that you do not have to pay anything. In this meaning, they are very similar. However, 'kostenlos' is clearer and almost always fits when the topic is money. 'frei' can also mean many other things, for example available or independent. That is why 'frei' can be misleading if the context is not clear. If you want to say clearly that something does not cost anything, 'kostenlos' is often more precise.
kostenlos
Im Urlaub nutzt Julia das kostenlose WLAN im Hotel.
On vacation, Julia uses the free Wi-Fi at the hotel.
frei
Der Eintritt ins Museum ist heute frei.
Admission to the museum is free today.
In real life
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