liberal
An open, tolerant, and unprejudiced attitude toward other people, opinions, and ways of life.
EXAMPLE
Sie hat eine sehr liberale Einstellung zur modernen Kunst.
She has a very liberal attitude toward modern art.
liberal
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Meanings
liberal
Refers to a political and economic worldview that emphasizes individual freedom and a free-market economy with as little government intervention as possible.
EXAMPLE
Die FDP vertritt in Deutschland traditionell eine liberale Politik.
In Germany, the FDP traditionally represents liberal politics.
liberal
generous
A generous or giving manner. This meaning is less commonly used.
EXAMPLE
Er war bekannt für seine liberalen Spenden an wohltätige Organisationen.
He was known for his generous donations to charitable organizations.
Usage tips
False friend
In German, 'liberal' in politics usually refers to the emphasis on individual freedom and a free-market economy (often understood as centrist or business-friendly). It does not always correspond to the American use of 'liberal', which is often used as a synonym for 'left-wing' or 'social democratic'.
EXAMPLE
Eine liberale Wirtschaftspolitik fordert weniger staatliche Eingriffe.
A liberal economic policy calls for less government intervention.
Context clue
You can distinguish the meanings well from context. If it is about personal values, upbringing, or opinions, the meaning is 'open' or 'tolerant'. If it is about parties, the economy, or laws, the political meaning is intended.
EXAMPLE
Meine Eltern hatten immer eine sehr liberale Haltung zu meiner Berufswahl.
My parents always had a very liberal attitude toward my choice of career.
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'tolerant' or 'open', 'liberal' is often combined with nouns like 'Einstellung' (attitude), 'Haltung' (stance/attitude), 'Ansicht' (view), or 'Erziehung' (upbringing). The phrase 'liberal denken' (to think liberally) is also very common.
EXAMPLE
Er wurde sehr liberal erzogen und durfte früh eigene Entscheidungen treffen.
He was raised in a very liberal way and was allowed to make his own decisions early on.
Register: less common use
The meaning 'großzügig' (generous) is rare today and often sounds somewhat old-fashioned or very formal. You mainly find it in older texts or in an elevated style.
EXAMPLE
Der Mäzen war für seine liberalen Zuwendungen an die Kunstszene bekannt.
The patron was known for his generous contributions to the art scene.
Compare with
liberal vs offen
open
Offen generally describes a willingness to accept new ideas or experiences. Liberal more specifically refers to a tolerant, unprejudiced attitude toward different opinions and ways of life. Use offen for general open-mindedness and liberal when emphasizing social tolerance.
liberal
Anna ist liberal und akzeptiert verschiedene Formen des Familienlebens.
Anna is liberal and accepts different forms of family life.
offen
Anna ist offen für neue Vorstellungen vom Familienleben.
Anna is open to new ideas about family life.
In real life
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