free of charge
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free of charge
Without requiring money or any other compensation in return; free or gratis. The term is often used in formal or legal contexts.
Die Rechtsberatung für Bedürftige wird unentgeltlich angeboten.
Legal advice for people in need is offered free of charge.
The word is easy to understand if you break it down: 'un-' (not) + 'Entgelt' (payment) + '-lich' (adjective ending). So it literally means 'without payment'.
Die Nutzung des Programms ist für Studierende unentgeltlich.
Use of the program is free of charge for students.
'Unentgeltlich' (free of charge) is a formal word that is often used in official, legal, or business texts. It sounds more elevated and precise than colloquial alternatives.
Der Verein bietet unentgeltliche Hilfe für Senioren an.
The association offers free assistance for seniors.
The word can be used as an adjective before a noun or as an adverb that describes a verb. Both uses are very common.
Das ist ein unentgeltlicher Service für unsere Kunden. (Adjektiv)
This is a free service for our customers. (Adjective)
free
Frei and unentgeltlich can both mean that nothing has to be paid. Frei is especially common in fixed expressions such as „Eintritt frei“ (free admission). Unentgeltlich explicitly indicates that there is no payment or other compensation, and sounds more formal.
Am Sonntag wird der Eintritt ins Museum unentgeltlich angeboten.
Admission to the museum is provided free of charge on Sunday.
Am Sonntag ist der Eintritt ins Museum frei.
Admission to the museum is free on Sunday.
