vrije

Vrije is a Dutch adjective meaning free, liberated, or independent. It is the inflected form of vrij that is used before nouns in attributive position, particularly after definite determiners such as de or het, or in common fixed phrases. Examples include de vrije pers (the free press), de vrije keuze (the free choice), en een vrije dag (a free day). In phrases without a definite determiner, the form can appear as vrije as well, for instance vrije tijd (free time) or vrije markt (free market).

Etymology and meaning: vrij derives from Proto-Germanic *frijaz, a root meaning free, beloved, or liberated. The sense of freedom or lack of constraint evolved into many related Dutch words, such as vrijheid (freedom), vrijheidsstrijd (struggle for freedom), and vrijwillig (voluntary). The form vrije is the appropriate attributive inflection used when describing a noun with these senses.

Usage and contexts: Vrije appears across many domains, including everyday language, politics, culture, and institutions. It commonly labels concepts that emphasize openness or lack of constraint, such as vrije meningsuiting (freedom of expression) or vrije handel (free trade). In institutional names, the adjective is often used to signal liberal or open ideals, for example Vrije Universiteit (Free University) or Vrije Universiteit Brussel. The term can also denote something that is voluntary or chosen freely, as in een vrije keuze (a voluntary/free choice).

See also: Vrijheid (freedom), vrijwillig (voluntary), vrijetijd (leisure time). These related terms share the same root and appear in many Dutch expressions describing autonomy, openness, and absence of coercion.