German Conversation · Level 164
30 words
German word
Gefangenschaft
Pronunciation
IPA/gəˈfaŋənʃaft/
Meaning
- feminine nouncaptivity
Example
Nach der Schlacht geriet er in die Gefangenschaft.
After the battle, he was taken captive.
More examples
Die Geiseln lebten monatelang in Gefangenschaft.
The hostages lived in captivity for months.
Core concept
A captured person is kept apart from ordinary life until release, whether the restraint comes from captors or authorities.
Common phrases
in Gefangenschaft geraten
fall into captivity
in Gefangenschaft gehalten werden
be held captive
aus der Gefangenschaft entkommen
escape from captivity
Similar words
Haft: Being held under guard with restricted freedom before trial or during a sentence.
Gefängnis: A prison building or facility where inmates are confined.
Definition in German
Ein Zustand, in dem eine Person durch Festhalten oder Inhaftierung ihrer Freiheit beraubt ist.
Word origin
Gefangenschaft was formed from gefangen, meaning captured or caught, and -schaft, which creates an abstract noun denoting a state.
Usage tips
- German uses in Gefangenschaft for being in captivity, while imprisonment in a particular facility is more specifically expressed with im Gefängnis.