safekeeping / custody
Loading your saved state.
safekeeping
The secure storage of objects, often in a legal or formal context, to protect them from loss or damage.
Die wertvollen Dokumente wurden zur sicheren Verwahrung in den Tresor gelegt.
The valuable documents were placed in the safe for secure safekeeping.
The noun 'Verwahrung' (safekeeping/custody) is derived from the verb 'verwahren' (to keep safe), which means 'sicher aufbewahren' (to store safely). The ending '-ung' turns the verb into a noun that describes the process or state of secure storage.
Bitte verwahren Sie Ihr Gepäck sicher.
Please keep your luggage safe.
This word is often used with the preposition 'in'. The accusative indicates movement ('in Verwahrung geben' — to hand over for safekeeping), while the dative describes a state ('in Verwahrung sein' — to be in safekeeping/custody).
Der Notar hat das Testament in Verwahrung genommen.
The notary took the will into safekeeping.
When referring to objects, typical combinations are 'etwas in Verwahrung geben' (to hand something over for safekeeping), 'etwas in Verwahrung nehmen' (to take something into safekeeping), or 'zur sicheren Verwahrung' (for secure safekeeping).
Ich habe meine Schlüssel während des Urlaubs bei den Nachbarn in Verwahrung gegeben.
I left my keys with the neighbors for safekeeping during the vacation.
The meaning involving the detention of a person is used almost exclusively in legal contexts. Words like 'Gericht' (court), 'Straftäter' (offender), or the fixed term 'Sicherungsverwahrung' (preventive detention) clearly indicate that this meaning is intended.
Das Gericht prüft, ob die Voraussetzungen für eine Sicherungsverwahrung erfüllt sind.
The court is examining whether the requirements for preventive detention have been met.
custody / imprisonment
'Haft' and 'Verwahrung' can both mean that someone is not free and is being held in a secure place. 'Haft' is used with the police, courts, or prison when a person is being held or is serving a prison sentence. 'Verwahrung' is more formal and, in a legal sense, especially means the secure detention of a dangerous person, for example after a prison sentence. In addition, 'Verwahrung' can also mean the safekeeping of objects. The words can be confusing because both express security and being held. In normal prison cases, people usually say 'Haft'; 'Verwahrung' fits better in special legal or formal situations.
Wichtige Beweise bleiben bis zum Prozess in sicherer Verwahrung.
Important evidence remains in secure safekeeping until the trial.
Nach mehreren Monaten Haft durfte sie ihre Familie wieder besuchen.
After several months in custody, she was allowed to visit her family again.