What does "freewheel" mean in a mechanical context in German?

In a mechanical context, "freewheel" refers to a mechanism that allows a wheel or gear to rotate freely without being engaged with the driving mechanism. This is often used in bicycles and various machinery to enable coasting or to disengage parts of the drive system when not in use.

In German, the term "Freilauf" precisely captures this concept. It indicates a component that allows for this disengagement and free motion, aligning with the mechanical function of a freewheel. This term is commonly used in discussions about bicycles, automotive engineering, and other mechanical systems where such a feature is present.

The other terms do not accurately convey the same meaning. "Schwungrad" refers to a flywheel, which stores rotational energy; "Kettenrad" translates to a chainwheel, which is a specific type of gear that engages with a chain; and "Riemen" means belt, which pertains to a different mechanism used for power transmission. Thus, "Freilauf" is the correct term in German for the concept of freewheeling in a mechanical context.