der Käfig, -e

The German word "Käfig" is a noun that means "cage". It refers to an enclosure typically made of metal bars or wire, used to confine animals, birds, or sometimes prisoners. The word comes from the Latin "cavea," which means "hollow place" or "enclosure".

Similar words in German include:"Gehege" (enclosure), "Voliere" (aviary), and "Kerker" (dungeon or jail).

• "Gehege" tends to refer to a larger outdoor enclosure for animals rather than a small, confined space like a cage.
• "Voliere" specifically denotes an aviary, which is a large enclosure for keeping birds, often larger and more complex than a simple cage.
• "Kerker" refers to a dungeon or prison cell, emphasizing confinement for people rather than animals and often suggests a more severe, restrictive space.

In essence, while "Käfig" is a more general term for a small, usually metal, enclosure, other terms can specify size, purpose, and the type of enclosure more precisely.