were happy; were pleased
Alle freuten sich über diese Neuigkeit.
Everyone was happy about this news.
Die Kinder freuten sich über die Verlängerung der Sommerferien.
The children were happy about the extension of the summer holidays.
Da die Sommerferien verlängert wurden, freuten sich die Kinder.
The children were happy that the summer holidays were extended.
Sie freuten sich über die Geburt ihres ersten Kindes.
They were happy about the birth of their first child.
Die Kinder freuten sich sehr, ihre Mitschüler wiederzusehen.
The children were very happy to see their classmates again.
Die Kinder freuten sich; denn sie haben schöne Geschenke bekommen.
The children were happy because they received beautiful presents.
Zuerst freuten sich meine Eltern, daß ich Arbeit gefunden hatte.
At first, my parents were happy that I had found a job.
— GoodFellas (1990)