die Geisel, -n
hostage
Eine Person, die von anderen festgehalten wird, damit jemand etwas Bestimmtes tut.
The German word "Geisel" is a noun meaning "hostage" or "captive." It refers to a person held by another, typically to demand something or control a situation.
- Origin: The word stands on its own, not composed of smaller German words.
Similar words:
- Gefangene(r) – prisoner, captive (more general)
- Pfand – pledge, collateral (less personal, more abstract)
- Geiselnehmer – kidnapper (the person taking the hostage)
Differences:
While "Geisel" specifically denotes the person held hostage, "Gefangene(r)" is a broader term for any prisoner without the hostage context. "Pfand" is an object held as security, not a person.
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Examples
Der Entführer hält die Geisel fest.noun
The kidnapper is holding the hostage.
Eine Geisel wurde soeben freigelassen.noun
A hostage was just released.
Die Geisel konnte erfolgreich befreit werden.noun
The hostage could be freed successfully.
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