die Freistellung, -en

Freistellung generally means release / exemption / being relieved from an obligation, most commonly in a work or legal context. Depending on context, it has two main meanings:

1) Work/HR context: leave from work (often with or without pay)

Freistellung can mean that an employee is released from the duty to work for a period of time (e.g., during a notice period, for exams, childcare, or as a disciplinary measure).
English equivalents: (administrative) leave, leave of absence, release from work duties, suspension (in some contexts).

2) Legal/contract context: indemnification / holding harmless

In legal language, Freistellung can mean that one party agrees to free another from claims or costs—i.e., to indemnify them or hold them harmless.
English equivalents: indemnification, hold harmless, release from liability.

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Word parts (etymology/structure)

• frei = free
• Stellung = position / placing / status
• Freistellung = literally “making something free / placing it into a free state” → release/exemption from duties or burdens.

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German synonyms

For meaning 1 (leave from work / release from duty)

• Beurlaubung
• (vom Dienst) entbinden
• Dienstbefreiung
• Suspendierung (often more disciplinary)
• Arbeitsbefreiung

For meaning 2 (indemnification / hold harmless)

• Schadloshaltung
• Entschädigung (depending on context)
• Haftungsfreistellung (more specific: release from liability)

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German antonyms (where applicable)

Opposites to being released from work duties

• Dienstverpflichtung
• Arbeitspflicht
• Heranziehung zum Dienst (being called upon for duty)

Opposites to indemnification / release from liability

• Haftung / Haftpflicht
• Inanspruchnahme (being held liable/claimed against)