The name of our association "Freie Menschen" - Free Humans - is a synonym for the German expression Freikörperkultur (nudist recreation) or better-known by its initials FKK

What are FKK (nudist recreation), naturism or nudism?
There is a clear difference between the three terms. Nudism means nakedness only for the sake of being nude. Real nudists often do not wear clothes in their flats or houses, an aspect that would not be so important for a naturist. The German expression FKK (Freikörperkultur) emphasizes the principle of nudism with a very strong community aspect, resulting in the creation of various FKK associations, including umbrella organisations, such as the ÖNV and INV. English-speaking areas, in particular, also differentiate nudists from naturists by highlighting that naturists primarily stay in delimited areas, for instance FKK areas, beaches, and camping areas.

Why nudist recreation?
That is a question that many ask, particularly those who have never had an FKK experience themselves. One has to experience himself or herself what it is like to be naked while exercising in the sun and swimming in the water, doing sports, playing games, and socialising within a community.
Simply watching a group of friends practicing FKK on a beach, maybe even watching from a hidden place, such as peeking from behind a dune or through a fence into a FKK area could never get anywhere close to the "real experience". Those who make the effort and actually give it a try often find this experience so rewarding that they keep to it for the rest of their lives.
Since I had my first FKK experience myself I cannot stand wearing bathing trousers or a bathing suit anymore when I go swimming. Sometimes that cannot be avoided, but it always creates a strong feeling of discomfort. The wet textiles sticking to my skin - that is a terrible feeling!
Some people, particularly those with strong feelings against all bodily things, who were raised in an extremely conservative environment, connect FKK with sex, orgies or similar things. Nothing could be farther from the truth! Those who indeed do believe so and join an FKK community for such reasons will surely be disappointed very soon.

INF definition of naturism, 1974 World Congress
"Naturism is a lifestyle in harmony with nature, expressed through social nudity, and characterized by self-respect of people with different opinions and of the environment. Social nudity constitutes an essential characteristic of naturism, fully exploiting the beneficial effects of the sun, the air and water. Naturism restores the balance between physical and psychic dimensions, with leisure spent in a natural environment, through exercising the body, within the fundamental principles of hygiene and dietetics. Furthermore, Naturism fosters many activities by nurturing creativity. Complete nakedness is the "best-possible suit" to realise the return of humans to nature, and it surely is the most visible mark of naturism, even though it is not the only one. Nudity has a balancing effect on humans by reducing the tensions caused by the taboos and provocations of modern society, showing the way to a more simple, healthy, and humane way of living."