Before you start
Meet freigeben
Read how the verb is used, then write your own 10 sentences with it.
Build the meaning
frei- + geben
- frei-
- free, no longer held back or restricted
- geben
- to give
To give something into a free or unrestricted state is to release it or make it available.
So freigeben means to release, make available, or authorize.
A memory aid, not a rule: prefixes change meaning from verb to verb.
Learning approach inspired by this explanation in r/German.
Verb family
More verbs built on geben
Same base verb, a different prefix, a new meaning.
Separable verb: frei·geben
In a main clause the prefix frei splits off and goes to the end. After weil, dass and other subordinating words, the verb stays in one piece at the end.
Main clauseDer Arzt gibt das Zimmer frei.The doctor releases the room.
Subordinate clauseWir warten, weil der Chef den Raum freigibt.We are waiting because the boss is making the room available.
Participle: freigegebenzu-infinitive: freizugeben
Forms
How freigeben changes
| Pronoun | Präsens | Präteritum |
|---|---|---|
| ich | gebe frei | gab frei |
| du | gibst frei | gabst frei |
| er/sie/es | gibt frei | gab frei |
| wir | geben frei | gaben frei |
| ihr | gebt frei | gabt frei |
| Sie | geben frei | gaben frei |
Partizip II freigegeben · Perfekt with haben
Three examples
- 1Der Chef gibt den Raum heute frei.The boss is making the room available today.prefix goes to the end
- 2Die Polizei hat die Straße wieder freigegeben.The police have reopened the road.Perfekt with haben
- 3Ich hoffe, dass sie den Platz bald freigibt.I hope she releases the space soon.verb at the end after dass
Task 1 of 10 · Build a sentence
Build a German sentence using these words:
freigeben + das Foto
Your challenge
- 1Use the present tense.
- 2Use das Foto as the direct object.
Task 2 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
The policedie Polizei have released him.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 3 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
When they released the roomder Raum, die Räume, we went in.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 4 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
She approved the moneydas Geld because the tripdie Reise was importantwichtig.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 5 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
I need the photodas Foto that you released yesterday.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 6 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
He must release the roomder Raum, die Räume before six.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 7 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
She forgot to release the photodas Foto.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 8 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
Could you release the moneydas Geld today?
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 9 of 10 · Build a sentence
Build a German sentence using these words:
freigeben + das Geld + weil
Your challenge
- 1Use the Präteritum.
- 2Include a weil-clause.
- 3Put the verb at the end of that clause.
Task 10 of 10 · Free writing
Answer in one full German sentence:
When should something be released or approved? Answer in one German sentence using the verb.
Your challenge
- 1Answer with one German sentence using the verb.
- 2Use a wenn-clause to explain when.