das Freie
Translation
the open, the outdoors, open air
Examples
Lass uns ins Freie gehen.
Let's go outside.
Die Kinder spielen im Freien.
The children are playing outdoors.
Grammar Patterns
ins Freie ((gehen)) to go outside We're going outside on the weekend.
im Freien ((sein/spielen)) to be/play outdoors Picnicking outdoors is nice.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Draußen (outside), die Natur (nature); Antonyms: Drinnen (inside), das Gebäude (building)
Etymology
This is the noun form of the adjective 'frei' (free). It signifies 'the free place' or 'the open'.
Memory Tips
Connect 'frei' (free) with the idea of open, free space outdoors. Note the prepositions: 'ins Freie' (motion to) and 'im Freien' (location).