freigebige

Freigebige is a German term formed from the adjective freigebig, meaning generous or liberal in giving. As a substantive, freigebige refers to a person who gives freely and is lavish in giving. The standard noun for the quality of giving generously is Freigebigkeit; freigebige is the corresponding substantivized adjective used to describe a person.

Forms and usage

- Masculine singular: der Freigebige

- Feminine singular: die Freigebige

- Plural: die Freigebigen

Freigebige is more formal or literary in tone and is seen primarily in written texts or rhetorical contexts. In everyday language, people typically say “eine freigebige Person” or simply use synonyms such as großzügig or spendabel. The term is closely related to, but distinct from, the noun Freigebigkeit (generosity) and from the broader concept of Großzügigkeit.

Etymology and nuance

Freigebig derives from frei (free) and geben (to give); the suffix -ig forms an adjective meaning “giving freely.” When used as a noun, freigebige emphasizes the person’s character rather than the act of giving itself. The usage can carry a slightly elevated or literary register and may appear in descriptions of characters in literature or in formal discussions of moral qualities.

See also

- Großzügigkeit (generosity)

- Freigab e (release or granting), which is a different compound with a distinct meaning in German.