nounnoun

der Häftling, -e

prisoner

Eine Person, die gegen ihren Willen in einem Gefängnis oder in einer ähnlichen Einrichtung festgehalten wird, weil sie eine Strafe bekommen hat oder auf ein Urteil wartet.

The German word "Häftling" is a noun that means "prisoner" or "inmate".

  • It is made up of "Häft-" (from haften = to be held or detained) and the suffix "-ling", which often denotes a person associated with something.

Similar words:

  • Gefangener (prisoner, captive)
  • Sträfling (convict)
  • Insasse (inmate, more general for someone inside an institution)

Difference:

  • Häftling specifically refers to someone detained in a prison, emphasizing the imprisonment.
  • Gefangener can be more general, including prisoners of war or captives.
  • Sträfling emphasizes someone sentenced for a crime (convict).
  • Insasse can refer to any resident or occupant in an institution (prison, hospital, etc.).

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Examples

Der Häftling sitzt im Gefängnis.noun

The prisoner is in jail.

Ein Häftling bekommt oft Besuch von seinem Anwalt.noun

A prisoner often receives visits from his lawyer.

Die Häftlinge arbeiteten täglich in der Werkstatt.noun

The prisoners worked in the workshop every day.

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