prisoner
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prisoner
A person who is locked up in a prison or detention facility; a prisoner or inmate.
Der Häftling wurde wegen guter Führung vorzeitig aus der Haft entlassen.
The prisoner was released from detention early for good behavior.
The word is derived directly from 'die Haft' (detention/imprisonment). The ending '-ling' refers to a person characterized by something. A 'Häftling' (prisoner) is therefore literally a person who is in detention.
Nach zehn Jahren in Haft wurde er entlassen.
After ten years in prison, he was released.
'Häftling' (prisoner) is the neutral and official term used in legal, police, and administrative contexts. You often find it in the news, laws, and official reports.
Laut Polizeibericht konnte der Häftling fliehen.
According to the police report, the prisoner was able to escape.
Common verbs used with 'Häftling' (prisoner) describe actions in the justice system: 'einen Häftling entlassen' (to release a prisoner), 'einen Häftling verlegen' (to transfer a prisoner), or 'Häftlinge bewachen' (to guard prisoners).
Der Häftling wurde in ein anderes Gefängnis verlegt.
The prisoner was transferred to another prison.
prisoner / captive
In prison, Gefangener and Häftling can refer to the same person. However, Häftling presupposes institutional detention, while Gefangener can also refer to another form of captivity, such as during a war. Häftling is especially precise for a person in a detention facility; outside that context, Gefangener is the broader choice.
Der Häftling wurde am Morgen aus seiner Zelle zum Gespräch gebracht.
The prisoner was taken from his cell to a meeting in the morning.
Der Gefangene wurde während des Krieges von der gegnerischen Seite festgehalten.
The prisoner was held by the opposing side during the war.
