umsonst
free · in vain · for free
Etwas kostet nichts oder wird ohne Bezahlung gegeben.
The German word "umsonst" is an adverb that has two primary meanings: "for free" and "in vain". It is made up of "um" (around) and "sonst" (otherwise). In context, "umsonst" can mean "without charge" or "at no cost", and it can also mean "without success" or "without result", as in "all efforts were in vain."
Similar words in German with related meanings include:
- "kostenlos" (for free)
- "gratis" (gratis, without charge)
- "vergeblich" (in vain, futile)
- "erfolglos" (unsuccessful)
Differences:
-
"Kostenlos" and "Gratis":
- These words specifically and exclusively mean "free of charge" or "without payment".
- Example: "Die Tickets sind kostenlos" (The tickets are free).
-
"Vergeblich" and "Erfolglos":
- Both these words denote a sense of effort without success, aligning with the "in vain" meaning of "umsonst".
- Example: "Alle Mühen waren vergeblich" (All efforts were in vain).
However, unlike "umsonst", these words do not carry the meaning of "free of charge". Utilizing the context in which "umsonst" is used helps determine its specific meaning.
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Examples
Der Eintritt ist umsonst.adverb
The entrance is free.
Du hast umsonst gewartet, der Zug fällt aus.adverb
You waited in vain, the train is canceled.
Sie arbeiten nicht umsonst.adverb
They don't work for free.
Wir haben das Buch nicht umsonst bekommen.adverb
We did not get the book for free.
Alles war umsonst.adverb
Everything was in vain.
Glaubst du, wir haben ihn umsonst angerufen?adverb
Do you think we called him in vain?
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