Unentgeltlich

Unentgeltlich is an adjective and adverb in the German language meaning provided or undertaken without charge or compensation. It describes actions, services, or transfers that are performed without payment and is commonly contrasted with entgeltlich (for a fee) or gegen Entgelt (for consideration). In everyday language, it can be expressed with terms like kostenlos or gratis, but unentgeltlich carries a more formal or legal nuance.

Etymology and usage: The word is formed from Entgelt, meaning fee or compensation, with the prefix un- indicating the absence of compensation. It is typically used with nouns to denote the lack of payment, for example unentgeltliche Leistung (service rendered without payment), unentgeltliche Überlassung (transfer or provision of a good/property without charge), or unentgeltlicher Eintritt (free admission). The term is common in administrative, legal, and formal contexts and is less frequent in casual speech.

Contexts and examples: In civil or contract law, unentgeltlich describes arrangements where no consideration is given for the service or transfer. This can include voluntary or charitable provisions, such as unentgeltliche Hilfe (aid provided gratis) or unentgeltliche Leihe (loan of an item without compensation). The term also appears in public administration and nonprofit contexts to distinguish free services from those offered for payment. In everyday language, speakers often substitute kostenlo s, gratis, or umsonst, but unentgeltlich remains the precise, formal choice in official documents and legal texts.

See also: Entgelt, Gegenleistung, kostenlos, gratis.