self-determined
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self-determined
Acting according to one's own will and decisions, without being determined by others. It describes a person or a life characterized by autonomy and independence.
Sie führt ein selbstbestimmtes Leben und trifft alle wichtigen Entscheidungen allein.
She leads a self-determined life and makes all important decisions on her own.
The word is a compound of 'selbst' (self) and 'bestimmt' (determined). 'Bestimmt' is the past participle of the verb 'bestimmen' (to determine). So it literally means being determined by oneself.
Es ist ihr Wunsch, bis ins hohe Alter selbstbestimmt zu leben.
It is her wish to live in a self-determined way into old age.
This adjective is very often used in combination with abstract nouns to express autonomy. Common phrases are 'ein selbstbestimmtes Leben führen' (to lead a self-determined life), 'eine selbstbestimmte Entscheidung treffen' (to make a self-determined decision), and 'selbstbestimmt handeln' (to act in a self-determined way).
Jeder Mensch hat das Recht auf ein selbstbestimmtes Leben.
Every person has the right to a self-determined life.
'Selbstbestimmt' (self-determined) can stand before a noun (attributive) or be used as an adverb to describe how an action is carried out.
Er ist ein sehr selbstbestimmter Mensch.
He is a very self-determined person.
free
Frei and selbstbestimmt describe a life without outside control. Frei emphasizes the absence of external constraints or rules. Selbstbestimmt highlights that a person actively makes decisions according to their own will.
Sie lebt selbstbestimmt und entscheidet selbst über ihren Alltag.
She lives an independent life and makes her own decisions about her daily routine.
Ohne die strengen Vorgaben kann sie nun frei leben.
Without the strict guidelines, she can now live freely.
