der Häftling
Translation
prisoner, inmate, detainee
Examples
Die Häftlinge wurden gestern freigelassen.
The prisoners were released yesterday.
Ein Häftling ist aus dem Gefängnis geflohen.
A prisoner has escaped from the prison.
Grammar Patterns
to be a prisoner He was a prisoner for ten years.
Similar Words
Gefangener (prisoner, captive)
Etymology
Comes from 'Haft' (custody, detention) + the suffix '-ling' (a person associated with something). Literally 'a custody person'.
Memory Tips
A 'Häftling' is someone held in 'Haft' (custody). The '-ling' suffix often refers to a person, like in 'Lehrling' (apprentice).