01
der Kerker
dungeon
A dark, usually underground prison, especially in a castle or fortress.
example
Im Mittelalter wurden Gefangene oft in den feuchten Kerker geworfen.
In the Middle Ages, prisoners were often thrown into the damp dungeon.
der Kerker
dungeon
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Historical & literary style
The word 'Kerker' (dungeon) is not used in modern everyday language for a normal prison. It sounds historical or literary and is used to describe especially gloomy and inhumane imprisonment.
EXAMPLE
In Romanen über das Mittelalter werden Helden oft in einen Kerker gesperrt.
In novels about the Middle Ages, heroes are often locked in a dungeon.
Word family
The verb 'einkerkern' is derived from the noun 'der Kerker' (the dungeon). It means to lock someone in a dungeon or prison and also has an elevated or historical tone.
EXAMPLE
Der Diktator ließ alle seine politischen Gegner einkerkern.
The dictator had all his political opponents imprisoned.
Typical collocations
There are fixed expressions that fit the dramatic style of the word. Very common are 'jemanden in den Kerker werfen' (to throw someone into the dungeon) and 'im Kerker schmachten' (to languish in a dungeon).
EXAMPLE
Der König ließ seine Feinde ohne Prozess in den Kerker werfen.
The king had his enemies thrown into the dungeon without a trial.
Context clue: castles
You can recognize the literal meaning 'underground prison' from signal words like 'Burg' (castle), 'Schloss' (palace/castle), 'Mittelalter' (Middle Ages), or 'Verlies' (dungeon). The dungeon is often described as dark, damp, and windowless.
EXAMPLE
Bei der Burgführung besichtigten wir auch die alten Kerker.
During the castle tour, we also visited the old dungeons.
Compare with
Kerker vs Gefängnis
prison
'das Gefängnis' and 'der Kerker' can both mean a place where people are locked up. 'Gefängnis' is the normal word for a modern institution. 'Kerker' sounds old-fashioned, literary, or dramatic. It often makes you think of a dark room in a castle or fortress. 'Kerker' can also be used figuratively or in elevated language for a prison, but that is rare in everyday language. Learners may confuse the words because both refer to a place of detention. For modern situations, 'Gefängnis' is almost always more natural.
Kerker
In der alten Burg führt eine Treppe hinunter in den dunklen Kerker.
In the old castle, a staircase leads down into the dark dungeon.
Gefängnis
Die Mitarbeiterin hat das Gefängnis nur von außen gesehen.
The employee has only seen the prison from the outside.
In real life
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