hostage
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hostage
A person who is held captive by someone in order to force another party (e.g., the government or police) to take a specific action.
Die Entführer drohten, der Geisel etwas anzutun.
The kidnappers threatened to harm the hostage.
Although the noun 'die Geisel' (hostage) is feminine, it can refer to people of any gender. So you can also speak of 'einer männlichen Geisel' (a male hostage).
Unter den Geiseln befand sich auch ein bekannter Journalist.
Among the hostages was also a well-known journalist.
In connection with kidnappings, 'Geisel' (hostage) is often used with certain verbs: 'Geiseln nehmen' (to take hostages), 'Geiseln halten' (to hold hostages), 'Geiseln befreien' (to free hostages), or 'eine Geisel freilassen' (to release a hostage).
Die Polizei verhandelte über Stunden, um die Geiseln zu befreien.
The police negotiated for hours to free the hostages.
In the figurative meaning, the construction 'zur Geisel von etwas werden' (to become a hostage to something) or 'Geisel + genitive' is often used. This expresses strong dependence or a loss of control.
Das Land wurde zur Geisel seiner eigenen Bürokratie.
The country became a hostage to its own bureaucracy.
victim / sacrifice
'das Opfer' and 'die Geisel' both refer to a person in a dangerous or bad situation. However, 'Opfer' is much more general: a person can be the victim of an accident, an illness, or a crime. 'Geisel' is more specific and means a person who is being held captive so that others will do or decide something. So a hostage can also be seen as a victim, but not every victim is a hostage.
Die Täter hielten eine Geisel fest und forderten Geld.
The perpetrators held a hostage and demanded money.
Das Opfer des Unfalls wurde sofort ins Krankenhaus gebracht.
The victim of the accident was taken to the hospital immediately.