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.
option
An Option is an available possibility among several. Wahlfreiheit goes further: the person can decide between these possibilities without coercion or external pressure. If you are only talking about an available possibility, Option is the right term; if you are emphasizing free choice, Wahlfreiheit is the right term.
Bei der Anmeldung hatte sie die Wahlfreiheit, sich ohne Druck für die Online-Anmeldung oder den Brief zu entscheiden.
When registering, she had the freedom of choice to decide without pressure between registering online and by mail.
Bei der Anmeldung ist die Online-Anmeldung eine praktische Option.
When registering, online registration is a practical option.
