self-determined
Loading your saved state.
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' both have to do with independence. 'Frei' is broader and means that someone is not determined by coercion, strict rules, or external influences. 'Selbstbestimmt' places more emphasis on a person consciously making their own decisions and shaping their own life. When talking about freedom in general, 'frei' fits. When you especially want to say that someone lives or acts according to their own will, 'selbstbestimmt' is more precise.
Auch im Alter möchte Herr Kaya selbstbestimmt leben und wichtige Entscheidungen selbst treffen.
Even in old age, Mr. Kaya wants to live a self-determined life and make important decisions himself.
In ihrem neuen Job kann sie frei entscheiden, wie sie ihre Aufgaben plant.
In her new job, she can freely decide how to plan her tasks.