01
der Käfig
cage
A container made of bars, rods, or wire that is used to confine or transport animals.
example
Der Kanarienvogel saß in seinem goldenen Käfig und sang.
The canary sat in its golden cage and sang.
der Käfig
cage
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 02
Usage tips
Location or direction
Pay attention to the case after the preposition 'in'. 'Im Käfig' (in the cage; in + dem) describes where something is located (dative), while 'in den Käfig' (into the cage) describes where something is moving to (accusative).
EXAMPLE
Der Löwe läuft unruhig in seinem Käfig auf und ab.
The lion paces restlessly back and forth in its cage.
Literal and figurative
When 'Käfig' is used with animals, grates, or bars, the literal meaning is intended. In connection with feelings, relationships, or social situations, the figurative meaning of a restrictive situation is meant.
EXAMPLE
Der Hamster schläft in seinem Käfig.
The hamster sleeps in its cage.
Typical verbs
In the literal sense, 'Käfig' is often used with verbs that describe confinement or keeping something enclosed. Typical examples are 'ein Tier im Käfig halten' (to keep an animal in a cage), 'jemanden in einen Käfig sperren' (to lock someone in a cage), or 'im Käfig sitzen' (to sit/be in a cage).
EXAMPLE
Es ist verboten, Wildvögel in einem Käfig zu halten.
It is forbidden to keep wild birds in a cage.
Fixed expression
The expression 'ein goldener Käfig' (a golden cage) describes a situation in which someone has material wealth and luxury, but loses their personal freedom in return. It is almost always used in the figurative sense.
EXAMPLE
Sie lebt in einem goldenen Käfig: Sie hat alles, was man kaufen kann, aber keine Freiheit.
She lives in a golden cage: she has everything money can buy, but no freedom.
Compare with
Käfig vs Gefängnis
prison
'das Gefängnis' and 'der Käfig' can both be places where someone or something is locked up. 'Gefängnis' is used for people and refers to an institution or building for offenders. 'Käfig' is usually used for animals and means a container with bars or wire. In a figurative sense, 'Käfig' can also mean a situation in which a person feels very restricted. The words can be confused because both have to do with lack of freedom. For real punishment and the police, 'Gefängnis' fits; for animals or figurative language, 'Käfig' is more likely.
Käfig
Der Hamster schläft in seinem Käfig unter dem kleinen Holzhaus.
The hamster is sleeping in its cage under the little wooden house.
Gefängnis
Vor dem Gefängnis warten die Besucher auf die Kontrolle.
The visitors are waiting outside the prison for the security check.
In real life
Loading video examples...