die Gewahrsam, null
custody
The German word "Gewahrsam" is a noun meaning "custody" or "detention".
- It is related to the verb "wahren", meaning "to preserve" or "to keep", but the main root here is from old German legal terms concerning guarding or keeping.
- "Gewahrsam" refers to the state of being kept or held securely, often used legally for police custody or protective custody.
Similar words:
- "Haft" – imprisonment, detention (more severe, legal confinement)
- "U-Haft" – pre-trial detention (Untersuchungshaft)
- "Festnahme" – arrest (the act of detaining)
Differences:
- "Gewahrsam" can be broader, including protective custody, not necessarily legal punishment.
- "Haft" and "U-Haft" strictly denote formal imprisonment.
- "Festnahme" refers to the moment or act of arrest, while "Gewahrsam" is about continuous custody.
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Examples
Die Polizei nahm den Verdächtigen in Gewahrsam.noun
The police took the suspect into custody.
Nach dem Vorfall blieb sie eine Nacht im Gewahrsam.noun
After the incident, she stayed one night in custody.
Warum kam der Mann überhaupt in Gewahrsam?noun
Why did the man end up in custody at all?
Im Gewahrsam gibt es strenge Regeln, die beachtet werden müssen.noun
In custody there are strict rules that must be observed.
Ohne richterlichen Beschluss darf niemand länger im Gewahrsam bleiben.noun
Without a judge's order, no one may remain in custody for longer.
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