adverb
for free, in vain
B1
Umsonst is an adverb meaning mainly 'for free' (no cost) or 'in vain' (without result). It’s not a verb so no auxiliary or reflexive use. Context determines meaning: 'etwas umsonst bekommen' = obtain for free; 'alles war umsonst' = efforts were in vain.
Examples
Die Eintrittskarten waren umsonst, also konnten wir kostenlos hinein.
The tickets were free, so we could get in at no cost.
Die Kunden warteten umsonst, weil der Kurs abgesagt wurde.
The customers waited in vain because the course was cancelled.
Ich habe den ganzen Tag gearbeitet, aber es war umsonst — niemand hörte zu.
I worked all day, but it was in vain — no one listened.
Details
Mnemonics
Picture a price tag with a big zero and the word 'umsonst' stamped across it.
Think 'um-sahnst' like 'um' + 'sunk' — imagine something sunk into the price (free).
Notes
Umsonst has two main senses: 'for free' (no cost) and 'in vain' (without result). Context tells which meaning applies.