A smoothness criterion for complex spaces in terms of differential forms

Abstract

For a reduced pure dimensional complex space $X$, we show that if Barlet's recently introduced sheaf $\alpha_X^1$ of holomorphic $1$-forms or the sheaf of germs of weakly holomorphic $1$-forms is locally free, then $X$ is smooth. Moreover, we discuss the connection to Barlet's well-known sheaf $\omega_X^1$.