Gefängnis
prison
noun ge-FENG-nis Less Common
Origin: from 'fangen' (to catch), via 'gefangen' (captured)
Also means
jail
Usage Note
Gefängnis is the everyday word for prison, derived from gefangen ('captured'). The set phrase ins Gefängnis kommen means 'to go to jail', and the -nis suffix here is neuter, giving das Gefängnis.
Examples
"Er sitzt seit Jahren im Gefängnis."
Natural Translation
He has been in prison for years.
Literal Translation
He sits since years in-the prison.
Related Words
- Abmahnschreiben formal warning letter (demanding cessation of unlawful conduct)
- Abschiebung deportation
- Akteneinsicht access to files
- Amtsgericht local court
- Amtspflicht official duty; duty of care owed by a public official
- Anfechtungsklage action for annulment
- Angeklagte defendant
- Anhörung hearing; right to be heard (before a decision is made)
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