I find it funny that english sometimes uses german words. But "exfreund" actually implies a sexual relationship, just saying.
On the other hand, it's clear that "eine Ex-Freundin von mir" means ex-girlfriend.
Maybe I'll stick to "ehemaliger Freund" or just use "Kumpel" instead of Freund(-in) altogether. Otherwise people will think I've dated everyone I know.
Native-speaker, but I honestly cannot make my mind up about this.
"The latter is clear to me, but I could see myself saying the former and thereby mistakenly suggesting a past relationship. (Non-native speaker.) On the other hand, it's clear that "eine Ex-Freundin von mir" means ex-girlfriend. Maybe I'll stick to "ehemaliger Freund" or just use "Kumpel" instead of Freund(-in) altogether. Otherwise people will think I've dated everyone I know."
Hits the nail on the head. Your feeling of the language is excellent.