German word

Häftling

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈhɛftlɪŋ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounprisoner

Example

Der Häftling wartet auf den Anwalt.

The prisoner is waiting for the lawyer.

Illustration for Häftling (prisoner)

More examples

Die Bewachung des Häftlings wurde verstärkt.

Surveillance of the prisoner was stepped up.

Core concept

A person whose freedom of movement is restricted because an authority keeps the person in custody.

Common phrases

  • Häftling in Untersuchungshaft

    prisoner in pretrial detention

  • Anwalt des Häftlings

    lawyer for the prisoner

  • Bewachung des Häftlings

    surveillance of the prisoner

Similar words

Gefangener: A person deprived of freedom after being arrested or captured.
Insasse: A person housed inside a prison or detention center.
Inhaftierter: A person held in custody after arrest or during detention.
Strafgefangener: A person serving a prison sentence as punishment.

Definition in German

Eine Person, die von staatlichen Stellen festgehalten wird oder sich in Haft befindet.

Word origin

Haft supplies the idea of detention, while the suffix -ling turns it into a term for the person experiencing that condition.

Usage tips

  • In German, Häftling is a neutral custody term, while Gefangener can also refer more generally to a captive or prisoner.

Other meanings

  • inmatenoun
  • detaineenoun

Opposites

  • Entlassenerreleased prisonernoun

Related words

Word lists with this word