freedom of choice
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freedom of choice
The freedom of a person or group to decide between different options, possibilities, or alternatives without coercion or external pressure.
Verbraucher schätzen die große Wahlfreiheit, die ihnen moderne Supermärkte bieten.
Consumers appreciate the great freedom of choice that modern supermarkets offer them.
The word is made up of 'die Wahl' (choice) and 'die Freiheit' (freedom). So it literally describes the freedom to have or be able to make a choice.
Die Wahlfreiheit bei der Berufswahl ist ein wichtiges Gut.
Freedom of choice in choosing a career is an important good.
'Wahlfreiheit' (freedom of choice) is often used with verbs that describe having, giving, or limiting this freedom. Typical verbs are 'haben' (to have), 'genießen' (to enjoy), 'einschränken' (to restrict), or 'garantieren' (to guarantee).
Neue Gesetze schränken die Wahlfreiheit der Patienten ein.
New laws restrict patients' freedom of choice.
As an abstract concept, 'Wahlfreiheit' (freedom of choice) is almost always used in the singular. The plural 'Wahlfreiheiten' is very rare and is used only when you want to emphasize different kinds of freedoms.
Der Vertrag gibt uns kaum Wahlfreiheit.
The contract gives us hardly any freedom of choice.
self-determination
'Selbstbestimmung' and 'Wahlfreiheit' both describe that people can make decisions without coercion. 'Wahlfreiheit' mainly means that you are allowed to choose between several options. 'Selbstbestimmung' is broader and more personal: it is about shaping your own life or important personal matters independently. The words can be confused because freedom of choice can be part of self-determination. When it is about specific options, 'Wahlfreiheit' is often more precise; when it is about one's own life as a whole, 'Selbstbestimmung' fits better.
Im Supermarkt haben Kunden viel Wahlfreiheit zwischen verschiedenen Produkten.
In the supermarket, customers have a lot of freedom of choice between different products.
Im Krankenhaus soll die Selbstbestimmung der Patientinnen und Patienten respektiert werden.
In the hospital, the self-determination of patients should be respected.