AI tools clearly explained
ChatGPT: What the free version can really do.
ChatGPT is the world's best-known AI tool – and the easiest way to start working with artificial intelligence. Here you will learn what the tool can do, what it is best suited for, what is free and when a paid plan is worth it.
- Explained for beginners
- Free version in detail
- Honest assessment
- As of September 2026
The basics
What is ChatGPT?
ChatGPT is an AI chat by OpenAI: you type a question or task in your own words – the tool replies within seconds with text that reads as if a human had written it.
Behind it is what is called a language model, trained on huge amounts of text. It does not “know” anything in the human sense, but it processes language exceptionally well: explaining, summarizing, phrasing, translating, structuring. You can use ChatGPT in the browser or via app – create an account, type in a question, done. Depending on the plan, the tool also understands uploaded files and images, can generate images itself and can be operated by voice.
Important for getting started: ChatGPT is a tool, not an oracle. It delivers fast, well-worded drafts – the professional judgment stays with you. Once you have internalized that, you will get real value from day one.
Typical use cases
What is ChatGPT best suited for?
Drafting texts
Emails, quotes, website copy, job ads: ChatGPT delivers a usable first draft in seconds that you only need to fine-tune.
Summarizing & explaining
Long documents, complicated topics, technical terms – on request explained “as if I were 12” or at management level.
Brainstorming
Ideas for marketing, name suggestions, outlines, objections to a plan: a tireless sparring partner that never gets annoyed.
Translating & rephrasing
Switching between languages, adjusting the tone – more formal, more casual, shorter, more customer-friendly. One of its most reliable strengths.
Sorting tables & data
Structuring messy lists, turning data from text into tables, preparing simple analyses.
Learning & everyday help
Exploring new topics, creating checklists, building formulas for Excel, having small code snippets explained – ideal for going from beginner to pro.
ChatGPT is less suitable as your sole source for facts and figures: the model can produce convincing-sounding errors (“hallucinations”). For research with source citations, take a look at our guide to Perplexity.
The most important question
What is free – and what does paying get you?
Surprisingly much for 0 euros
With a free account you chat with a current standard model – for everyday questions, text drafts and explanations, that is often all you need:
- Everyday chats without a tight message cap
- Writing, explaining and translating texts
- A few file uploads per day
- Image generation & voice mode, tightly limited
- Web, desktop app and smartphone app
More speed, more depth
ChatGPT Plus (around 20 US dollars/month) is worth it as soon as you work with the tool daily:
- Significantly higher limits for uploads, images & voice mode
- Access to the stronger “reasoning models” for complex tasks
- Priority access, even at peak times
- New features usually first
- Higher tiers & team plans for special cases
Our recommendation for beginners: start for free and work seriously with the tool for two weeks. If you regularly hit the limits, Plus is the logical next step. Prices and limits change constantly – what counts are the current details at OpenAI (this page reflects September 2026).
Getting started
From beginner to pro in four steps.
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Create an account
Register for free at chatgpt.com – that is all it takes. Start with tasks you have to do anyway.
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Provide context
The most important pro trick: say who you are, who the text is for and what the goal is. The more specific the task, the better the result.
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Follow up
The first answer is a draft, not a final result: “Shorter.” “More formal.” “Give me three alternatives.” – in dialogue, good becomes very good.
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Check & adopt
Always double-check facts, figures and legal statements. You remain responsible – ChatGPT is your fastest employee, not your replacement.
A note on privacy: do not enter personal customer data or trade secrets into freely worded chats. In the settings you can disable the use of your inputs for model training; for teams there are business plans with extended commitments.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions about ChatGPT.
Is ChatGPT free?
Yes. With a free account you can use ChatGPT permanently – including everyday chats with a current model. Individual features such as file uploads, image generation or voice mode are more tightly limited in the free version than in the paid plans.
How much does ChatGPT Plus cost?
ChatGPT Plus costs around 20 US dollars per month (as of September 2026; slightly different in euros depending on tax). In return you get significantly higher usage limits, access to the stronger reasoning models and new features usually first. You will find current prices directly at OpenAI.
Does ChatGPT work in German?
Yes, very well. You can write entirely in German and receive German answers. Translations between German and other languages are also among the tool's strengths.
May I enter customer data into ChatGPT?
Restraint is the right basic attitude here: personal data and trade secrets do not belong in a freely worded chat. In the settings you can disable the use of your inputs for model training; for use in a team there are business plans with additional commitments. When in doubt: anonymize first, then ask.
What alternatives to ChatGPT are there?
The best-known alternatives are Claude by Anthropic – strong with long texts and careful answers – and Google Gemini, which is closely integrated with Gmail, Docs and Google Search. For research with source citations, Perplexity is worth a look. You will find dedicated guides to all three on our site.
Further reading
These guides go well with this one.
Google Gemini
AI right inside Gmail, Docs and the Google world – ideal for Workspace users.
All articles at a glance: AI Tools Guides
From trying it out to using it
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