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
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Meanings
der Käfig
cage
In a figurative sense, a state or situation that severely restricts a person and takes away their personal freedom.
EXAMPLE
Sie fühlte sich in ihrer unglücklichen Ehe wie in einem Käfig gefangen.
She felt trapped in her unhappy marriage as if in a cage.
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
Gefängnis normally refers to an actual prison or detention institution. Käfig, by contrast, can be used figuratively for a situation that deprives someone of their personal freedom without the person actually being locked up. For real imprisonment, Gefängnis is appropriate; for severe personal restriction, Käfig can work as a metaphor.
Käfig
Für sie fühlte sich das Leben in der kontrollierenden Beziehung wie ein Käfig an.
For her, life in the controlling relationship felt like a cage.
Gefängnis
Nach dem Urteil muss der Mann wegen der Tat ins Gefängnis.
After the verdict, the man has to go to prison for the crime.
In real life
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