ehrenamtlich
Translation
voluntary, honorary, unpaid
Examples
Er hat ein ehrenamtliches Engagement.
He has a voluntary commitment.
Viele arbeiten ehrenamtlich für den Verein.
Many people work for the association on a voluntary basis.
Grammar Patterns
((Adjective)) + ((Noun)) as an attributive adjective Sie macht ehrenamtliche Arbeit.
((Verb)) + ehrenamtlich as an adverb Er arbeitet ehrenamtlich.
Similar Words
Synonyms: freiwillig (voluntary), unentgeltlich (unpaid); Antonyms: bezahlt (paid), beruflich (professional)
Etymology
From 'Ehre' (honor) + 'Amt' (office). Literally an 'office of honor'.
Memory Tips
Think of it as an 'honorable office' (Ehren-Amt) that you do for the community, not for payment.