im Freien
The English phrase 'al fresco' can be translated into German as im Freien.
While English uses 'al fresco' specifically for dining, im Freien is a general term used for any activity occurring outdoors, such as playing in the open.
How does it change in a sentence?
im Freien is an adverbial phrase and does not change its form based on the gender or number of the noun it describes.
Did you know?
- German has a distinct philosophical tradition of Waldeinsamkeit, a feeling of being alone im Freien specifically in the woods.
- The word Freien in this phrase comes from an ancient root meaning 'to love' or 'to be dear'.
- If you want to say you are 'outdoors' in a more casual, conversational way, Germans often prefer the single word draußen over the more formal im Freien.
Examples in context
- Wir haben im Freien gegessenWe ate al fresco
- Wir haben draußen speisen könnenWe were able to dine al fresco
- Lass uns im Grünen essenLet's eat al fresco
- Wir haben auf der Terrasse gegessenWe ate al fresco on the terrace
- Wenn wir in Berlin sind, essen wir oft im Freien.When we are in Berlin, we often eat al fresco.
- Lass uns morgen draußen essen.Let's eat al fresco tomorrow.
- Wir haben gestern im herrlichen Grünen gegessen.Yesterday, we ate in the beautiful outdoors.
- Wir essen heute im Freien.We are eating outdoors today.
- Wir können im Freien essen.We can eat al fresco.
- Das Konzert findet im Freien statt.The concert is taking place al fresco.
- Sie arbeitet gerne im Freien.She likes working al fresco.
Example conversation
Felix and Hannah are deciding where to have lunch on a sunny day.
- FelixDas Wetter ist so schön heute.The weather is so beautiful today.
- HannahWollen wir im Freien essen?Do you want to eat al fresco?
- FelixJa, das ist eine gute Idee.Yes, that is a good idea.
- HannahIch suche uns einen Tisch.I'll look for a table for us.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry im Freien, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries freien, im, im Freien, CC BY-SA 4.0.
