Verb

freuen

Translation

to be happy, to be pleased, to look forward to

Das freut mich sehr.

That makes me very happy.

Er freut sich über das Geschenk.

He is happy about the gift.

Sie freut sich auf die Party.

She is looking forward to the party.

((j-n)) freuen to please (sb.) Your visit pleases me.

sich ((über+4)) freuen to be happy about (sth.) He is happy about the flowers.

sich ((auf+4)) freuen to look forward to (sth.) We are looking forward to the holidays.

Synonyms: sich amüsieren (to enjoy oneself), genießen (to enjoy); Antonyms: sich ärgern (to get angry)

Connected to the noun 'die Freude', which means 'joy'.

Key distinction: use 'über' (+ acc.) for being happy *about* something that has happened, and 'auf' (+ acc.) for looking forward *to* something.