No, they are not free, they are gratis alternatives.

“Free software” is one term, and it’s meaning was defined in 1986 by RMS. Non of these software existed that time.

The word “free” in our name does not refer to price; it refers to freedom. First, the freedom to copy a program and redistribute it to your neighbors, so that they can use it as well as you. Second,** the freedom to change a program, so that you can control it instead of it controlling you; for this, the source code must be made available to you.**

As a german speaking person: Shut up and stop using german translations of words as if it has a different meaning. It gives me Angst.

Ich kann nicht sprachen deutch sehr gut. wdym, what is the original german meaning?

gratis means free, but only in the sense that it dosen‘t cost money. So it seems like a valid use for the word.

Is there an english equivalent?