Freude
/ˈfʁɔɪ̯də/feminine
The German word for joy is Freude.
Freude refers to a deep, internal feeling of joy or delight. To express that an emotional reaction is caused by joy, you can use the phrase vor Freude (with joy or for joy).
Meaning: feeling of happiness (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Freude describes an internal state of joy, the word Spaß is used to refer to external amusement or fun.
How does it change in a sentence?
Freude is a feminine noun. The genitive form, used to mean 'of joy', is der Freude. Related to this noun is the reflexive verb sich freuen, which means to rejoice or to be glad.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈfʁɔɪ̯də/
Did you know?
- The word Freude shares an ancient root with the English word 'hop', specifically from a Proto-Indo-European word meaning 'to jump'.
- The reflexive verb sich freuen changes meaning based on the preposition used. Sich freuen auf refers to anticipation of a future event, while sich freuen über refers to something that has already happened.
- Beethoven's famous 'Ode to Joy' is titled An die Freude. In the poem, Freude is personified as a divine spark that unites all humanity.
Examples in context
- Zom hüpft vor Freude.Tom is jumping for joy.This sentence shows how to express someone jumping for joy using Freude.Tatoeba #1663008 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1662633 by Amastan
- Sie weint vor Freude.She's crying with joy.This sentence demonstrates using Freude to describe someone crying with joy.Tatoeba #6364975 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #13041056 by rul
- Sie tanzte vor Freude.She danced with joy.This sentence illustrates dancing with joy using Freude.Tatoeba #691924 by Manfredo, translation #313103 by CK
- Ich empfinde große FreudeI feel great joy
- Wir frohlockten vor Freude über die guten NachrichtenWe rejoiced with joy over the good news
- Sie fielen sich im Freudentaumel in die ArmeThey fell into each other's arms in ecstasy
- Mir war vor Freude ja ganz zum Jauchzen zumuteI felt so joyful I could have shouted with joy
- Er hüpfte vor Glück, als er die positive Nachricht erhieltHe jumped with joy when he received the good news
- 105 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Maximilian are talking about a new puppy.
- JuliaSchau dir den Welpen an, er bringt so viel Freude!Look at the puppy, he brings so much joy!
- MaximilianJa, ich kann meine Freude kaum in Worte fassen.Yes, I can hardly put my joy into words.
- JuliaDas ist wirklich ein wunderschöner Moment.This is truly a wonderful moment.
- MaximilianIch teile diese Freude mit dir, Julia.I share this joy with you, Julia.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “joy” translations and entries Freude, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Freude, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
