das Verlies
dungeon
A usually underground, dark, enclosed room where prisoners are held.
EXAMPLE
Die Gefangenen saßen tief unter der Burg in einem feuchten Verlies.
The prisoners were sitting deep beneath the castle in a damp dungeon.
das Verlies
dungeon
das Verlies, die Verliese
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Meanings
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Verlies, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Verliese |
| genitive | des Verlieses |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Verlies | die Verliese |
| accusative | das Verlies | die Verliese |
| dative | dem Verlies | den Verliesen |
| genitive | des Verlieses | der Verliese |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Register and style
'Verlies' (dungeon) is mainly used in historical, literary, or fantasy stories. The word is rarely used in everyday life.
EXAMPLE
Im Roman entdeckt der Ritter ein altes Verlies unter der Burg.
In the novel, the knight discovers an old dungeon beneath the castle.
Typical collocations
Common phrases include 'jemanden ins Verlies sperren' (to lock someone in a dungeon), 'im Verlies gefangen halten' (to hold someone captive in a dungeon), and 'aus dem Verlies befreien' (to free someone from the dungeon). The dungeon is often described with adjectives such as 'dunkel' (dark), 'feucht' (damp), or 'unterirdisch' (underground).
EXAMPLE
Der König ließ den Verräter in ein dunkles Verlies sperren.
The king had the traitor locked in a dark dungeon.
Location and movement
When someone is moving into this room, 'ins Verlies' (into the dungeon) is often used; when someone is staying there, 'im Verlies' (in the dungeon) is used. These forms show the difference between direction and location.
EXAMPLE
Die Wachen brachten den Gefangenen ins Verlies.
The guards took the prisoner into the dungeon.
Nach Jahren im Verlies wurde er endlich befreit.
After years in the dungeon, he was finally freed.
In real life
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