adjectiveadverb
freiwillig
voluntary · voluntarily · volunteer
Etwas tun, weil man es selbst möchte und nicht, weil man es muss.
The German word "freiwillig" is an adjective and adverb meaning "voluntary" or "willingly".
- It is derived from the word "frei" meaning "free" and "willig" meaning "willing".
- It describes actions done by one's own free will, without external compulsion or obligation.
Similar words:
- ehrenamtlich (voluntary, honorary, usually for unpaid work)
- selbstständig (independent, self-initiated)
- absichtlich (intentional, deliberate)
Difference:
- freiwillig emphasizes acting out of free will or personal choice.
- ehrenamtlich is more specific to unpaid or honorary voluntary work.
- selbstständig highlights independence or autonomy but not necessarily voluntary action.
- absichtlich focuses on intent, not necessarily lack of obligation or compulsion.
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Examples
Sie arbeiten freiwillig an diesem Projekt.adverb
They work voluntarily on this project.
Sie übernimmt die Aufgabe freiwillig.adverb
She takes on the task voluntarily.
Seine Teilnahme ist freiwillig.adjective
His participation is voluntary.
Der freiwillige Helfer verteilt Essen an arme Menschen.adjective
The volunteer helper distributes food to poor people.
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