freihändige

Freihändig is a German adjective used to describe actions performed without mechanical aids or external instructions, i.e., by free hand. The term is formed from frei (free) and Hand (hand) and is used in various contexts to indicate a process or result achieved without formal tools, procedures, or pre-planned methods.

In the arts, freihändig describes drawing or painting done without rulers, compasses, or other measuring devices. Freihändig zeichnen emphasizes gesture, spontaneity, and manual control, and is often contrasted with technisches oder maßstabsgetreues Arbeiten (technical or scale-accurate work). A freihändige Zeichnung or freihändige Skizze highlights the artist’s direct, unmediated handwork.

In public procurement and administration, freihändige Beschaffung (direct award) denotes a purchasing procedure conducted without a competitive bidding process. It is typically reserved for cases where competition is impractical or impossible, such as urgent needs, procurement from a single supplier, or very small procurements. When used, it usually requires justification and documentation and must comply with applicable national and, where relevant, European procurement rules. The exact conditions and thresholds vary by jurisdiction and legal framework.

Translations: in English texts, freihändig is often rendered as “freehand” in artistic contexts and as “direct award” or “direct procurement” in procurement contexts. The term thus covers both hands-on, non-mechanized execution and specific, non-competitive procurement situations in German-speaking environments.