German word

Käfig

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈkɛːfɪç/

Meaning

  • masculine nouncage

Example

Die Käfige im Zoo sind sauber.

The cages at the zoo are clean.

Illustration for Käfig (cage)

More examples

Wir haben einen Käfig für den Kanarienvogel angeschafft.

We acquired a cage for the canary.

Core concept

A wire structure surrounds a living creature, allowing it to be seen but preventing free movement.

Common phrases

  • einen Käfig anschaffen

    acquire a cage

  • aus dem Käfig befreien

    free from the cage

  • in den Käfig sperren

    lock in the cage

Similar words

Gehege: A spacious enclosure where several animals can move around freely.
Gitter: A partition made of regularly arranged bars with gaps between them.

Definition in German

Käfig ist ein meist aus Gitter oder Draht gebauter Behälter, in dem Tiere gehalten werden und der ihr Entkommen verhindert.

Word origin

The German noun Käfig was borrowed from French cage, which derives from Latin cavea for an enclosed space.

Usage tips

  • Käfig can also describe a figurative restriction on freedom, not only a physical enclosure.

Opposites

Related words

  • Käfigtürcage doornoun
  • käfigartigcage-likeadjective

Word lists with this word