At the A1 level, 'freiwillig' is a useful word to talk about things you *want* to do versus things you *must* do. You might learn it in the context of hobbies or school. It helps you say 'I do this because I like it, not because I have to.' For example, if a teacher asks who wants to read, you can say 'Ich mache das freiwillig.' It is important to remember that it is one word that means 'voluntarily.' You don't need to change the word if you use it after a verb. Just remember: 'frei' (free) + 'Wille' (will). If you do it with your own 'free will,' it is 'freiwillig.' Think about things in your day: Is eating pizza 'freiwillig'? Yes! Is doing homework 'freiwillig'? Usually no! This simple contrast helps you remember the meaning.
At the A2 level, you start using 'freiwillig' to describe different activities. You will see it in job advertisements or school notices. You should know that it can be an adjective (describing a noun) or an adverb (describing an action). For example, 'eine freiwillige Aufgabe' (a voluntary task). Notice the '-e' ending because 'Aufgabe' is feminine. You also learn the noun 'der Freiwillige' (the volunteer). In Germany, many people work 'freiwillig' in clubs (Vereine). This is a big part of German culture. You might hear: 'Bist du ein Freiwilliger?' (Are you a volunteer?). It's also important to distinguish it from 'kostenlos.' 'Kostenlos' is about money; 'freiwillig' is about your decision. Even if you don't get paid, the focus of 'freiwillig' is that you chose to do it.
At the B1 level, 'freiwillig' becomes important for discussing social issues and personal commitment. You will encounter the 'Freiwilliges Soziales Jahr' (FSJ), which is a common topic in German exams. You should be able to explain why someone would choose to do something 'freiwillig.' Is it for experience? To help others? You also learn more complex sentence structures like 'auf freiwilliger Basis' (on a voluntary basis). This is useful for formal letters or discussions about workplace rules. You should also be comfortable using the opposite, 'unfreiwillig,' to describe accidents or things that happen against one's will. For instance, 'Er wurde unfreiwillig zum Helden' (He became an involuntary hero). Understanding the nuance of personal agency is key here.
At the B2 level, you use 'freiwillig' in more abstract and professional contexts. You will hear about 'freiwillige Selbstkontrolle' (voluntary self-regulation) in the media or 'freiwillige Leistungen' (voluntary benefits) from an employer. These are benefits like a Christmas bonus that the company isn't legally required to pay. You should be able to debate the pros and cons of voluntary systems versus mandatory ones. For example, should social service be 'freiwillig' or 'verpflichtend' (mandatory)? Your vocabulary should also include synonyms like 'fakultativ' for academic contexts. You'll also notice 'freiwillig' used in psychological contexts, discussing 'Freiwilligkeit' (voluntariness) as a factor in motivation and human behavior.
At the C1 level, you explore the philosophical and legal depths of 'freiwillig.' It is no longer just about volunteering; it's about the concept of autonomy. In legal German, 'Freiwilligkeit' is a prerequisite for many valid legal acts, such as 'freiwillige Gerichtsbarkeit' (non-contentious jurisdiction). You should be able to use the word in nuanced ways, such as describing 'unfreiwillige Komik' (unintentional humor) in literary analysis or 'freiwilliger Verzicht' (voluntary renunciation) in political contexts. You will also encounter the term in historical contexts, such as 'Freiwilligenverbände' (volunteer units) in various wars. The ability to distinguish between 'freiwillig,' 'aus freien Stücken,' and 'eigeninitiativ' (on one's own initiative) shows a high level of linguistic sophistication.
At the C2 level, 'freiwillig' is used with precision in academic, legal, and philosophical discourse. You might analyze the 'Paradoxon der Freiwilligkeit'—how social structures can make an action feel mandatory even if it is technically 'freiwillig.' You will use the term in discussions about 'Bioethik' (bioethics) regarding 'freiwillige Sterbehilfe' (voluntary euthanasia) or in political science regarding 'freiwillige Souveränitätsabgabe' (voluntary surrender of sovereignty). You understand the etymological roots and how they play into the German idealism's concept of 'Wille.' Your usage reflects an understanding that 'freiwillig' is not just a choice, but an expression of the self within a complex framework of societal expectations and legal constraints.

freiwillig 30秒了解

  • Freiwillig means voluntary or voluntarily, coming from 'free' and 'will'.
  • It is used as an adjective with endings or as an adverb without changes.
  • It is crucial for distinguishing between mandatory tasks and personal choices.
  • Culturally, it relates to Germany's strong tradition of volunteering and civil courage.

The German word freiwillig is a cornerstone of social interaction and personal agency in the German language. At its core, it translates to 'voluntary' or 'voluntarily.' It is derived from the words frei (free) and Wille (will), literally meaning 'of free will.' When you do something freiwillig, you are acting without external coercion or legal obligation. This word is not just a descriptor of actions; it carries a significant cultural weight in German-speaking societies, where the concept of the Ehrenamt (volunteer work) is highly valued. Whether a student chooses to take an extra course, a citizen joins the local fire brigade, or a witness provides a statement without a subpoena, the essence of the action is captured by this term.

Adjective Usage
When used as an adjective, it describes a noun, such as eine freiwillige Helferin (a female voluntary helper) or ein freiwilliger Beitrag (a voluntary contribution). In these cases, it must be declined according to the gender, case, and number of the noun it modifies.
Adverbial Usage
In its adverbial form, it describes how an action is performed. For example, Er hat sich freiwillig gemeldet (He volunteered/He reported voluntarily). Here, the form remains unchanged regardless of the subject.

Niemand hat mich gezwungen; ich mache das freiwillig.

Translation: Nobody forced me; I am doing this voluntarily.

In everyday life, you will encounter this word frequently in administrative contexts. For instance, insurance can be gesetzlich (mandatory by law) or freiwillig (voluntary). In schools, certain subjects are Pflichtfächer (mandatory subjects), while others are Wahlpflichtfächer or purely freiwillige AGs (voluntary working groups/clubs). Understanding the distinction between what is required and what is freiwillig is crucial for navigating German bureaucracy and social norms.

Die Teilnahme an der Exkursion ist freiwillig.

Translation: Participation in the excursion is voluntary.
Legal Context
In legal terms, Freiwilligkeit is the absence of duress. If a contract is signed, it must be done freiwillig to be valid in many jurisdictions.

Furthermore, the word is deeply linked to the German concept of Zivilcourage (civil courage). Acting freiwillig to help someone in need, even when not legally bound (though Germany has unterlassene Hilfeleistung laws), is seen as a high moral virtue. The word evokes a sense of autonomy and responsibility that is central to the modern German identity. When you use freiwillig, you are highlighting the power of the individual to choose their path.

Sie hat freiwillige Überstunden geleistet, um das Projekt rechtzeitig fertigzustellen.

Translation: She worked voluntary overtime to finish the project on time.

Using freiwillig correctly requires an understanding of its dual nature as both an adjective and an adverb. While the English language often distinguishes between 'voluntary' and 'voluntarily,' German uses the same word form, only changing the endings when it functions as an attributive adjective before a noun.

As an Adverb (Unaltered)
When freiwillig describes a verb, it does not take any endings. Example: Ich gehe freiwillig zum Zahnarzt (I go to the dentist voluntarily). It usually follows the verb or the object depending on the emphasis.

Er hat freiwillig auf seinen Nachtisch verzichtet.

Translation: He voluntarily gave up his dessert.

When functioning as an adjective, it must agree with the noun it precedes. This is where learners often struggle with adjective endings. For example, in the nominative masculine: ein freiwilliger Helfer; nominative feminine: eine freiwillige Helferin; nominative neuter: ein freiwilliges Jahr. These endings change based on the case (Nominative, Accusative, Dative, Genitive).

Common Grammatical Patterns
1. Etwas freiwillig tun: To do something voluntarily.
2. Sich freiwillig melden: To volunteer/step forward.
3. Auf freiwilliger Basis: On a voluntary basis (a very common formal expression).

Das Projekt basiert auf freiwilliger Basis.

Translation: The project is based on a voluntary basis.

In negative sentences, nicht freiwillig (not voluntarily) or unfreiwillig (involuntarily) are used. Interestingly, unfreiwillig is often used to describe things that are accidental or 'ironically' involuntary, like unfreiwillige Komik (unintentional humor).

Gibt es freiwillige Meldungen für die Wochenendschicht?

Translation: Are there any voluntary sign-ups for the weekend shift?

Finally, consider the use of the noun der/die Freiwillige (the volunteer). This is a nominalized adjective, meaning it follows adjective declension rules but functions as a noun. Viele Freiwillige halfen nach der Flut (Many volunteers helped after the flood). This versatility makes freiwillig an essential tool for expressing choice and commitment in German.

The word freiwillig permeates various levels of German society, from the nightly news to the local community center. One of the most common places you will hear it is in the context of the Freiwillige Feuerwehr (Voluntary Fire Department). Unlike many other countries where fire services in smaller towns are professionalized, Germany relies heavily on thousands of freiwillige firefighters who serve their communities without pay.

Social Services
The Freiwilliges Soziales Jahr (FSJ) is a well-known program where young people spend a year working in social institutions. You will often hear teenagers discussing whether they want to do an FSJ freiwillig before starting university.

Mein Bruder macht ein freiwilliges ökologisches Jahr im Nationalpark.

Translation: My brother is doing a voluntary ecological year in the national park.

In the workplace, freiwillig is used to distinguish between mandatory tasks and extra-curricular initiatives. A manager might say, Die Teilnahme an der Weihnachtsfeier ist natürlich freiwillig (Participation in the Christmas party is, of course, voluntary). This phrase is often used with a wink, as social pressure might make it feel less than voluntary, but the linguistic term remains freiwillig.

Wer möchte die Hausaufgabe an der Tafel präsentieren? Freiwillige vor!

Translation: Who wants to present the homework on the board? Volunteers to the front!

In political discourse, you will hear debates about freiwillige Selbstverpflichtung (voluntary self-commitment) of industries. This refers to companies agreeing to certain environmental or ethical standards without being forced by legislation. News anchors often use this term when discussing climate goals or corporate responsibility. Additionally, in the legal realm, a freiwilliges Geständnis (voluntary confession) can lead to a reduced sentence, a topic frequently covered in crime dramas and news reports.

Everyday Conversations
In casual speech, Germans use freiwillig to emphasize their preferences. 'Ich würde freiwillig nie nach Berlin ziehen' (I would never move to Berlin of my own accord/voluntarily) highlights a strong personal dislike.

Das hast du freiwillig gegessen? Das schmeckt doch schrecklich!

Translation: You ate that voluntarily? It tastes terrible!

Ultimately, freiwillig is a word that signals the boundary between 'must' and 'want.' It is a key term for anyone wanting to understand the social contracts and individual motivations within German culture.

Even for advanced learners, freiwillig can present some hurdles, primarily due to its overlap with other 'free' concepts in English and its specific grammatical behavior in German.

Confusion with 'Kostenlos'
A very common mistake is using freiwillig when you mean 'free of charge' (kostenlos or gratis). In English, 'free' can mean both 'at no cost' and 'unrestricted.' In German, these are strictly separated. Freiwillig only refers to the will/choice. You cannot say 'Das Bier ist freiwillig' to mean the beer is free; you must say 'Das Bier ist kostenlos.'

Falsch: Der Eintritt ist freiwillig. (Unless you mean paying is a choice).
Richtig: Der Eintritt ist kostenlos.

Another error involves the distinction between freiwillig and ehrenamtlich. While they are related, ehrenamtlich specifically refers to formal volunteer work in an organization or public office. Freiwillig is broader and can refer to any action done of one's own accord, like helping a neighbor with groceries. You wouldn't call helping a neighbor 'ehrenamtlich,' but it is definitely 'freiwillig.'

Er ist ein Freiwilliger bei der Tafel.

Translation: He is a volunteer at the food bank.
Misusing 'Frei'
Learners often simplify freiwillig to just frei. While 'frei' means free (as in liberty or availability), it cannot replace 'freiwillig' in the context of an action done by choice. 'Ich mache das frei' sounds like you are doing it while you have a day off, not that you are volunteering.

Lastly, pay attention to the word unfreiwillig. It is not just the negation of 'voluntary'; it often implies an accident or a lack of intention that leads to a certain result. For example, unfreiwillig komisch means something was intended to be serious but ended up being funny. Using nicht freiwillig usually implies someone was forced, whereas unfreiwillig often implies a lack of control over the situation.

Der Film war unfreiwillig komisch durch die schlechten Spezialeffekte.

Translation: The movie was unintentionally funny due to the bad special effects.

To truly master freiwillig, it helps to see it in the context of its synonyms and related terms. Depending on the register and the specific situation, you might choose a different word to express the idea of choice or lack of compulsion.

Ehrenamtlich vs. Freiwillig
Ehrenamtlich refers specifically to a 'position of honor.' It is more formal and usually implies a long-term commitment to an organization (like a club or a church). Freiwillig is the general term for any action done by choice.
Fakultativ vs. Freiwillig
Fakultativ is a more academic or technical term, often used in university contexts or regarding laws. It means 'optional.' While freiwillig is common in speech, fakultativ appears in course catalogs or legal texts.
Aus freien Stücken
This is an idiomatic expression meaning 'of one's own accord.' It is slightly more poetic or emphatic than freiwillig. Example: Sie hat das aus freien Stücken getan (She did that of her own free will).

Die Teilnahme am Kurs ist fakultativ, aber sehr empfohlen.

Translation: Participation in the course is optional, but highly recommended.

When looking for antonyms, the most direct opposite is unfreiwillig (involuntary). However, in terms of obligation, words like obligatorisch (obligatory), verpflichtend (mandatory), or gezwungen (forced) are used. For example, Schulpflicht means mandatory schooling, not unfreiwillige Schule.

Er hat ehrenamtlich im Tierheim gearbeitet.

Translation: He worked as a volunteer (honorary capacity) at the animal shelter.

Another nuance is selbstlos (selfless). While a freiwillige action can be selfish (e.g., volunteering to look good on a resume), a selbstlose action is purely for the benefit of others. Knowing these distinctions allows you to describe human motivation with much greater precision in German.

How Formal Is It?

趣味小知识

The suffix '-ig' is one of the most productive adjective-forming suffixes in German, similar to '-y' in English (e.g., 'windy').

发音指南

UK /ˈfʀaɪ̯ˌvɪlɪç/
US /ˈfraɪˌvɪlɪk/
Primary stress is on the first syllable: FREI-wil-lig.
押韵词
willig billig drillig eillig (not standard) chillig (slang) einteilig langweilig mühselig
常见错误
  • Pronouncing 'v' as 'w' (it should be like English 'v').
  • Pronouncing 'frei' as 'fray' (it should be like 'fry').
  • Hard 'g' at the end instead of the standard 'ch' sound.

难度评级

阅读 2/5

Easy to recognize due to the roots 'frei' and 'Wille'.

写作 3/5

Adjective endings can be tricky for beginners.

口语 2/5

Pronunciation of 'ig' as 'ich' needs practice.

听力 2/5

Clear pronunciation in most contexts.

接下来学什么

前置知识

frei der Wille müssen dürfen wollen

接下来学习

ehrenamtlich die Verpflichtung fakultativ sich engagieren der Verein

高级

Autonomie Selbstbestimmung Zwang Konzession Einwilligung

需要掌握的语法

Adjective Declension

ein freiwillig**er** Helfer, eine freiwillig**e** Helferin

Adverbial Usage

Er hilft freiwillig. (No ending)

Nominalization

Der Freiwillige (The volunteer) - follows adjective rules.

Negation with 'un-'

unfreiwillig (involuntary)

Word Formation with '-ig'

frei + Wille + ig = freiwillig

按水平分级的例句

1

Ich helfe dir freiwillig.

I am helping you voluntarily.

Adverbial usage, no ending.

2

Ist das freiwillig?

Is that voluntary?

Predicate adjective, no ending.

3

Er lernt freiwillig Deutsch.

He learns German voluntarily.

Adverbial usage.

4

Wir machen das freiwillig.

We are doing this voluntarily.

Adverbial usage.

5

Sie kommt freiwillig mit.

She is coming along voluntarily.

Adverbial usage with 'mitkommen'.

6

Das ist kein Muss, es ist freiwillig.

That's not a must; it's voluntary.

Predicate adjective.

7

Ich esse das freiwillig.

I eat that voluntarily.

Adverbial usage.

8

Wer macht das freiwillig?

Who does that voluntarily?

Interrogative sentence.

1

Es gibt viele freiwillige Helfer.

There are many voluntary helpers.

Adjective with plural ending '-e'.

2

Das ist eine freiwillige Aufgabe.

That is a voluntary task.

Adjective with feminine ending '-e'.

3

Er ist ein freiwilliger Feuerwehrmann.

He is a voluntary firefighter.

Adjective with masculine ending '-er'.

4

Die Teilnahme ist absolut freiwillig.

Participation is absolutely voluntary.

Predicate adjective with adverb 'absolut'.

5

Ich habe mich freiwillig gemeldet.

I volunteered (reported voluntarily).

Reflexive verb 'sich melden' with adverb.

6

Wir suchen freiwillige Unterstützung.

We are looking for voluntary support.

Adjective with feminine accusative ending '-e'.

7

Sie macht ein freiwilliges Praktikum.

She is doing a voluntary internship.

Adjective with neuter ending '-es'.

8

Das Kind geht freiwillig ins Bett.

The child goes to bed voluntarily.

Adverbial usage.

1

Das Projekt basiert auf freiwilliger Basis.

The project is based on a voluntary basis.

Dative feminine ending '-er' after 'auf'.

2

Er hat das Geld freiwillig zurückgegeben.

He gave the money back voluntarily.

Perfect tense with adverb.

3

Es war eine rein freiwillige Entscheidung.

It was a purely voluntary decision.

Adjective with feminine ending '-e'.

4

Viele Jugendliche leisten ein freiwilliges soziales Jahr.

Many young people do a voluntary social year.

Neuter accusative ending '-es'.

5

Niemand wird gezwungen, alles ist freiwillig.

Nobody is forced; everything is voluntary.

Contrast with 'gezwungen'.

6

Sie hat freiwillig auf die Beförderung verzichtet.

She voluntarily waived the promotion.

Verb 'verzichten auf' with adverb.

7

Gibt es hier Freiwillige für den Küchendienst?

Are there volunteers for kitchen duty here?

Nominalized adjective 'Freiwillige'.

8

Ohne freiwilliges Engagement funktioniert die Gesellschaft nicht.

Without voluntary commitment, society doesn't function.

Adjective with neuter ending '-es'.

1

Die Versicherung ist für Selbstständige oft freiwillig.

Insurance is often voluntary for the self-employed.

Predicate adjective.

2

Sie unterzeichnete die Erklärung freiwillig.

She signed the declaration voluntarily.

Simple past with adverb.

3

Das Unternehmen setzt auf freiwillige Selbstverpflichtung.

The company relies on voluntary self-commitment.

Compound noun context.

4

Er hat sich freiwillig zur Armee gemeldet.

He volunteered for the army.

Specific context of military service.

5

Die Zeugin machte eine freiwillige Aussage bei der Polizei.

The witness gave a voluntary statement to the police.

Legal context.

6

Können wir auf Ihre freiwillige Mitarbeit zählen?

Can we count on your voluntary cooperation?

Adjective with feminine ending '-e'.

7

Es handelt sich um eine freiwillige Leistung des Arbeitgebers.

It is a voluntary benefit from the employer.

Formal business context.

8

Er verließ das Land freiwillig, bevor er ausgewiesen wurde.

He left the country voluntarily before he was deported.

Contrast with legal compulsion.

1

Die Freiwilligkeit der Teilnahme ist oberstes Gebot.

The voluntariness of participation is the highest priority.

Noun 'Freiwilligkeit'.

2

Er unterwarf sich freiwillig den strengen Regeln.

He voluntarily submitted to the strict rules.

Reflexive verb 'sich unterwerfen'.

3

Das Werk besticht durch seine unfreiwillige Komik.

The work impresses with its unintentional humor.

Negative form 'unfreiwillig' in aesthetic context.

4

Eine freiwillige Rückkehr in die Heimat ist oft schwierig.

A voluntary return to one's homeland is often difficult.

Political/Social context.

5

Sie leistete freiwilligen Verzicht auf ihr Erbe.

She made a voluntary renunciation of her inheritance.

Masculine accusative ending '-en'.

6

Der Proband gab seine Einwilligung freiwillig und informiert.

The test subject gave their consent voluntarily and informedly.

Medical/Scientific context.

7

Die Branche einigte sich auf eine freiwillige Beschränkung der Emissionen.

The industry agreed on a voluntary restriction of emissions.

Environmental policy context.

8

Freiwillig würde er niemals seine Privatsphäre opfern.

Voluntarily, he would never sacrifice his privacy.

Sentence-initial position for emphasis.

1

In der Philosophie wird die Natur des freiwilligen Handelns debattiert.

In philosophy, the nature of voluntary action is debated.

Genitive neuter ending '-en'.

2

Die freiwillige Gerichtsbarkeit umfasst Angelegenheiten wie Testamente.

Non-contentious jurisdiction includes matters such as wills.

Technical legal term.

3

Es mangelt an der notwendigen Freiwilligkeit für einen wirksamen Vertrag.

There is a lack of the necessary voluntariness for a valid contract.

Legal prerequisite context.

4

Die Abgabe von Souveränitätsrechten erfolgte auf rein freiwilliger Basis.

The surrender of sovereign rights took place on a purely voluntary basis.

High-level political context.

5

Die Probanden wurden über den Aspekt der Freiwilligkeit aufgeklärt.

The subjects were informed about the aspect of voluntariness.

Scientific ethics context.

6

Freiwilliges Engagement ist das Rückgrat der Zivilgesellschaft.

Voluntary commitment is the backbone of civil society.

Sociological discourse.

7

Er plädierte für eine freiwillige Selbstregulierung des Marktes.

He pleaded for a voluntary self-regulation of the market.

Economic theory context.

8

Die Tat war Ausdruck seines absolut freiwilligen Entschlusses.

The act was an expression of his absolutely voluntary decision.

Genitive masculine ending '-en'.

常见搭配

freiwillige Feuerwehr
freiwillige Helfer
freiwilliges Soziales Jahr
auf freiwilliger Basis
freiwillige Selbstkontrolle
freiwilliges Geständnis
sich freiwillig melden
freiwillige Versicherung
freiwillige Überstunden
freiwilliger Verzicht

常用短语

Freiwillige vor!

— A call for volunteers to step forward.

Wer will anfangen? Freiwillige vor!

Das mache ich nicht freiwillig.

— Expressing that one is being forced or is very reluctant.

Ich putze das Bad nicht freiwillig.

Alles auf freiwilliger Basis.

— Clarifying that there is no obligation involved.

Keine Sorge, das ist alles auf freiwilliger Basis.

Ein freiwilliger Beitrag.

— A donation or effort given by choice.

Wir bitten um einen freiwilligen Beitrag zum Buffet.

Sich freiwillig zurückziehen.

— To step down or retreat by choice.

Der Minister zog sich freiwillig zurück.

Freiwillig und ohne Zwang.

— A formal way to say 'of one's own free will'.

Ich unterschreibe dies freiwillig und ohne Zwang.

Ganz freiwillig war das nicht.

— Implying there was some social pressure involved.

Naja, ganz freiwillig war mein Umzug nicht.

Etwas freiwillig übernehmen.

— To take on a task by choice.

Sie hat die Projektleitung freiwillig übernommen.

Ein freiwilliger Helfer sein.

— To be a volunteer.

Er ist seit Jahren ein freiwilliger Helfer bei der Tafel.

Freiwillige Meldung.

— The act of volunteering/signing up.

Wir warten noch auf eine freiwillige Meldung.

容易混淆的词

freiwillig vs kostenlos

Means 'free of charge'. Freiwillig means 'by choice'.

freiwillig vs frei

Means 'free' (liberty) or 'available'. Freiwillig is specifically about the will.

freiwillig vs ehrenamtlich

Specifically refers to formal volunteering in an organization.

习语与表达

"Wer A sagt, muss auch B sagen."

— Not directly using the word, but often used when a voluntary commitment (A) leads to further duties (B).

Du hast freiwillig angefangen, jetzt musst du es beenden. Wer A sagt...

informal
"Den Bock zum Gärtner machen."

— To appoint someone to a task they are unsuited for, even if they volunteer.

Ihn zum Schatzmeister zu wählen, hieße den Bock zum Gärtner zu machen.

informal
"Aus freien Stücken."

— Completely of one's own accord.

Er hat das aus freien Stücken gestanden.

neutral
"Sich in die Bresche schlagen."

— To volunteer to help in a difficult situation.

Als alle absagten, schlug er sich in die Bresche.

literary
"Guter Wille."

— Goodwill, often related to voluntary actions.

Das war ein Zeichen meines guten Willens.

neutral
"Sich die Finger schmutzig machen."

— To volunteer for hard or unpleasant work.

Er ist bereit, sich für den Verein die Finger schmutzig zu machen.

informal
"Ein Herz für jemanden haben."

— To volunteer help out of compassion.

Sie hat ein Herz für Tiere und arbeitet freiwillig im Tierheim.

neutral
"Farbe bekennen."

— To voluntarily state one's opinion or position.

Jetzt musst du endlich mal Farbe bekennen.

informal
"Den Hut in den Ring werfen."

— To volunteer as a candidate for a position.

Er hat seinen Hut für den Vorsitz in den Ring geworfen.

journalistic
"Sich die Ehre geben."

— To voluntarily attend or participate (very formal).

Der König gab sich die Ehre.

formal

容易混淆

freiwillig vs kostenlos

Both translate to 'free' in certain English contexts.

Kostenlos refers to price (0 Euro); freiwillig refers to the decision (no force).

Das Essen ist kostenlos (no pay), aber die Hilfe ist freiwillig (by choice).

freiwillig vs gratis

Synonym for 'kostenlos'.

Same as 'kostenlos'; refers to money, not will.

Ein gratis Ticket.

freiwillig vs frei

The root is the same.

'Frei' means not occupied or having liberty; 'freiwillig' means acting by choice.

Der Sitz ist frei (empty), aber ich sitze hier freiwillig (I chose to).

freiwillig vs umsonst

Means 'free of charge' or 'in vain'.

Does not describe the intent of an action like 'freiwillig' does.

Ich habe umsonst gewartet.

freiwillig vs beliebig

Means 'any' or 'arbitrary'.

'Beliebig' is about choice from options; 'freiwillig' is about the presence of will.

Wähle eine beliebige Farbe.

句型

A1

Ich mache [Etwas] freiwillig.

Ich lerne freiwillig.

A2

Das ist ein/eine/ein [freiwillige/r/s] [Nomen].

Das ist eine freiwillige Aufgabe.

B1

Sich freiwillig für [Etwas] melden.

Er meldet sich freiwillig für den Dienst.

B1

Auf freiwilliger Basis.

Wir arbeiten auf freiwilliger Basis.

B2

Freiwillig auf [Etwas] verzichten.

Sie verzichtet freiwillig auf das Geld.

C1

Die Freiwilligkeit von [Etwas] betonen.

Der Arzt betont die Freiwilligkeit der Impfung.

C1

Unfreiwillig komisch sein.

Seine Rede war unfreiwillig komisch.

C2

Ausdruck des freiwilligen Entschlusses.

Das war Ausdruck meines freiwilligen Entschlusses.

词族

名词

die Freiwilligkeit
der Freiwillige
die Freiwillige
der Wille
die Willenskraft

动词

willigen (einwilligen)
wollen

形容词

willig
willenlos
unfreiwillig
eigenwillig

相关

Freizeit
Freiheit
Wahlfreiheit
Ehrenamt
Engagement

如何使用

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written German.

常见错误
  • Das Ticket ist freiwillig. Das Ticket ist kostenlos.

    You mean the ticket costs nothing, but 'freiwillig' means the act of taking it is a choice.

  • Er ist ein freiwillig Helfer. Er ist ein freiwilliger Helfer.

    Adjectives before masculine nouns in nominative need the '-er' ending.

  • Ich mache das ehrenamtlich für meine Mutter. Ich mache das freiwillig für meine Mutter.

    'Ehrenamtlich' is for formal organizations, not helping family members.

  • Die Komik war nicht freiwillig. Die Komik war unfreiwillig.

    While grammatically okay, 'unfreiwillig komisch' is the fixed and more natural expression.

  • Ich bin ein Freiwillig. Ich bin ein Freiwilliger.

    The noun 'Freiwilliger' must have the correct ending.

小贴士

Check the ending

If 'freiwillig' comes before a noun, check the gender and case. If it follows a verb, it has no ending.

Free Will

Remember the word is made of 'frei' (free) and 'Wille' (will). This helps you remember it's about choice.

The FSJ

If you move to Germany, you'll hear 'FSJ' a lot. It stands for 'Freiwilliges Soziales Jahr'. It's a key part of youth culture.

Pronunciation

Don't forget the soft 'ch' sound at the end. Avoid a hard 'k' or 'g' to sound more like a native speaker.

Voluntary vs. Free

Always ask: Is it about money? Use 'kostenlos'. Is it about choice? Use 'freiwillig'.

Unintentional Humor

Use 'unfreiwillig komisch' to describe a movie or situation that is funny by accident.

Professional Tone

In business, use 'auf freiwilliger Basis' to sound polite and professional when offering options.

Word Stress

The stress is on 'FREI'. If you hear the stress on 'WILL', it might be a different word family member.

Volunteer Spirit

Germany values 'Freiwilligkeit' highly. Using this word shows you understand the social structure.

B1 Exams

This word often appears in B1 speaking tasks about 'Ehrenamt' or 'Hobbys'. Prepare an example sentence.

记住它

记忆技巧

Think of 'FRY-WILLY'. Willy the whale is being 'FRY-ed' (Free-ed) because he has the 'WILL' to be 'frei'. He is acting 'freiwillig'.

视觉联想

Imagine a hand raised high in a classroom. That hand represents the 'Wille' to be 'frei' from the crowd.

Word Web

Freiheit Wille Wahl Hilfe Ehrenamt Entscheidung Lust Option

挑战

Write three things you do 'freiwillig' every day and three things you do 'unfreiwillig'.

词源

Derived from the Middle High German 'vrīwillic', which is a combination of 'vrī' (free) and 'wille' (will).

原始含义: Acting of one's own choice or desire.

Germanic

文化背景

Be careful when discussing 'Freiwilligkeit' in historical contexts (like WWII) where the term was sometimes used to mask coercion.

English speakers often use 'volunteer' as a verb, noun, and adjective. German uses 'freiwillig' as the adjective/adverb and 'der Freiwillige' as the noun, but the verb is usually 'sich freiwillig melden'.

Freiwillige Selbstkontrolle der Filmwirtschaft (FSK) - The German film rating system. Freiwilliges Soziales Jahr (FSJ) - A famous youth program. The 'Freikorps' (historical volunteer units).

在生活中练习

真实语境

School/University

  • freiwillige AG
  • freiwilliges Referat
  • Freiwillige vor!
  • fakultative Kurse

Job/Work

  • freiwillige Überstunden
  • freiwillige Leistungen
  • auf freiwilliger Basis
  • sich freiwillig melden

Social/Community

  • freiwillige Helfer
  • freiwillige Feuerwehr
  • ehrenamtlich tätig sein
  • Freiwilligenarbeit

Legal/Official

  • freiwilliges Geständnis
  • freiwillige Angabe
  • freiwillige Versicherung
  • Freiwilligkeit der Aussage

Everyday Life

  • freiwillig mitkommen
  • nicht freiwillig essen
  • freiwillig aufräumen
  • ganz freiwillig

对话开场白

"Hast du schon mal ein freiwilliges soziales Jahr gemacht oder würdest du eines machen?"

"Welche Aufgaben im Haushalt machst du eigentlich freiwillig?"

"Glaubst du, dass die freiwillige Feuerwehr in Deutschland gut funktioniert?"

"Würdest du freiwillig in ein anderes Land ziehen, wenn du keinen Job dort hättest?"

"Gibt es Dinge, die du früher unfreiwillig tun musstest, aber heute freiwillig machst?"

日记主题

Beschreibe eine Situation, in der du dich freiwillig für eine schwierige Aufgabe gemeldet hast. Warum hast du das getan?

Ist 'Freiwilligkeit' immer gut? Denke an Situationen, in denen Regeln (Pflichten) besser sein könnten als freiwillige Entscheidungen.

Was bedeutet es für dich, etwas 'aus freien Stücken' zu tun? Wie fühlt sich das im Vergleich zu einer Pflicht an?

Reflektiere über die Rolle der freiwilligen Helfer in deiner Stadt. Was würde ohne sie passieren?

Schreibe über etwas, das du 'unfreiwillig' gelernt hast, das sich später aber als nützlich erwiesen hat.

常见问题

10 个问题

No, it can be an adjective too. As an adverb, it describes how you do something (Ich helfe freiwillig). As an adjective, it describes a noun (Ein freiwilliger Helfer).

'Ehrenamtlich' is specifically for formal volunteer work in clubs or public offices. 'Freiwillig' is a general term for any action done by choice, like helping a friend move.

No. For products that cost no money, use 'kostenlos' or 'gratis'. Use 'freiwillig' if paying for the product is a choice (e.g., a voluntary donation).

The common phrase is 'unfreiwillig komisch'. It describes something that was meant to be serious but makes people laugh.

Yes, 'Freiwillige' are volunteers who join the army by choice, as opposed to conscripts ('Wehrpflichtige').

It declines like an adjective. Nom: der Freiwillige, Gen: des Freiwilligen, Dat: dem Freiwilligen, Acc: den Freiwilligen.

It is a common idiom used by teachers or leaders to ask for volunteers to step forward and take on a task.

Yes, it is very common and used daily in schools, offices, and news reports in Germany.

Usually, it refers to human will, but you can use it metaphorically if an animal seems to choose to do something (e.g., 'Der Hund kam freiwillig zurück').

The noun is 'die Freiwilligkeit'.

自我测试 192 个问题

writing

Write a sentence using 'freiwillig' as an adverb.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'It is a voluntary task.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Explain the difference between 'freiwillig' and 'kostenlos' in German.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a short email asking if a meeting is voluntary.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Use 'unfreiwillig komisch' in a sentence about a movie.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Describe the concept of 'Freiwillige Feuerwehr'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'He volunteered for the project.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence using 'auf freiwilliger Basis'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'Many volunteers helped after the storm.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence with 'freiwilliges soziales Jahr'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'I would never do that voluntarily!'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Use 'Freiwillige vor!' in a short dialogue.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Explain 'Freiwilligkeit' in a legal context (short).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'Participation is voluntary but recommended.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence about 'freiwillige Überstunden'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'He gave up his seat voluntarily.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence about 'freiwillige Selbstkontrolle'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'Are you here voluntarily?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Use the noun 'der Freiwillige' in a sentence about a marathon.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'It was a purely voluntary decision.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Spreche den Satz aus: 'Ich mache das freiwillig.'

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Beantworte die Frage: 'Bist du freiwillig hier?'

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Frage jemanden, ob er helfen möchte (voluntarily).

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Sage, dass du dich für eine Aufgabe meldest.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Diskutiere kurz: Ist das FSJ eine gute Idee?

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Spreche den Satz: 'Die Teilnahme ist absolut freiwillig.'

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Erzähle von einer freiwilligen Arbeit, die du gemacht hast.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Benutze 'Freiwillige vor!' in einer Gruppe.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Erkläre den Begriff 'Freiwillige Feuerwehr'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Spreche: 'Das war unfreiwillig komisch.'

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Frage nach 'freiwilligen Überstunden' im Vorstellungsgespräch.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Diskutiere: Sollte soziales Engagement immer freiwillig sein?

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Spreche: 'Die Freiwilligkeit der Aussage ist entscheidend.'

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Erkläre, warum du auf etwas freiwillig verzichtest.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Sage: 'Das Projekt basiert auf freiwilliger Basis.'

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Frage: 'Gibt es hier Freiwillige für die Nachtschicht?'

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Sage: 'Er hat das aus freien Stücken getan.'

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Beantworte: 'Warum lernst du Deutsch?'

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Sage: 'Niemand hat mich gezwungen.'

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Spreche: 'Ein freiwilliges Geständnis kann helfen.'

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Höre den Satz: 'Ich helfe freiwillig.' Was macht die Person?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Höre: 'Die Teilnahme ist freiwillig.' Muss man mitmachen?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Höre: 'Er ist bei der freiwilligen Feuerwehr.' Wo arbeitet er?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Höre: 'Wir brauchen Freiwillige.' Was wird gesucht?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Höre: 'Das war unfreiwillig komisch.' War es ein Witz?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Höre: 'FSJ'. Was ist das?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Höre: 'Auf freiwilliger Basis'. Ist es Pflicht?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Höre: 'Er hat freiwillig verzichtet.' Hat er es genommen?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Höre: 'Freiwillige vor!' Was passiert jetzt?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Höre: 'Freiwilligkeit ist wichtig.' Welches Nomen hörst du?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Höre: 'Ein freiwilliges Praktikum'. Ist es für die Schule?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Höre: 'Rein freiwillig'. Was bedeutet 'rein' hier?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Höre: 'Aus freien Stücken'. Was bedeutet das?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Höre: 'Gibt es Freiwillige?'. Wie viele Personen werden gesucht?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Höre: 'Nicht ganz freiwillig'. War es 100% eigene Wahl?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

/ 192 correct

Perfect score!

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