In German
frei
Meaning: free (of charge, or available/unoccupied)
Example sentences
DerEintrittistfrei.
Admission is free.
IstdieserPlatzfrei?
Is this seat free?
Wirsindheutefrei.
We're off today.
Grammar note
“Frei” covers “free” as in no cost, available, or having no obligations — close to its full English range. For “free of charge” specifically, Germans also say “kostenlos”, “umsonst”, or “gratis”.
Common mistake
“Frei”, “kostenlos”, “umsonst” and “gratis” all can mean “free of charge”, but “frei” also covers “available/vacant” and “off work” — the others don't.
Quick check
Which German word means “free”?
More words on this topic
Keep learning German
Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
Is “kostenlos” the same as “frei”?
They overlap for “free of charge”, but only “frei” also means available or off work.
How do you ask “Is this seat free?”
“Ist dieser Platz frei?”