German word

Gefangene

Pronunciation

IPA/gəˈfaŋənə/

Meaning

  • noun (m./f.)prisoner

Example

Die Gefangenen warten auf den Besuch.

The prisoners are waiting for the visit.

Illustration for Gefangene (prisoner)

More examples

Am Wochenende besuchen viele Angehörige die Gefangenen.

At the weekend, many relatives visit the prisoners.

Core concept

People held behind bars or under guard after being captured.

Common phrases

  • die Gefangenen besuchen

    visit the prisoners

  • mit Gefangenen sprechen

    speak with prisoners

  • über Gefangene sprechen

    talk about prisoners

Similar words

Häftling: A person detained or held in custody during criminal proceedings.
Sträfling: A convicted person serving a sentence in prison.
Insasse: A resident or occupant of a building or institution.
Verhafteter: A person arrested and held by the police.

Definition in German

Eine Person oder mehrere Personen, die gefangen genommen wurden oder in Haft sind.

Word origin

Gefangene is a substantivized form of gefangen, the past participle of fangen, an inherited Germanic verb meaning to seize.

Usage tips

  • Gefangene can be feminine singular or plural without an article, while definite plural is die Gefangenen; the article and ending show the number.

Other meanings

  • convictnoun
  • detaineenoun

Opposites

  • Freigelassenereleased peoplenoun

Related words

  • Gefangenschaftimprisonmentnoun
  • gefangencaptiveadjective
  • Gefangenenlagerprisoner-of-war campnoun

Word lists with this word