die Gefangenschaft
Translation
captivity, imprisonment
Examples
Der Soldat verbrachte fünf Jahre in Gefangenschaft.
The soldier spent five years in captivity.
Das Tier lebte in Gefangenschaft in einem Zoo.
The animal lived in captivity in a zoo.
Grammar Patterns
to be/live in captivity Many animals suffer in captivity.
to fall into captivity The pilot fell into enemy captivity.
Similar Words
Haft (custody), Freiheitsentzug (detention); Antonym: Freiheit (freedom)
Etymology
From 'Gefangen' (captured) + the suffix '-schaft', which indicates a state or condition, similar to '-ship' in English (e.g., friendship).
Memory Tips
The suffix '-schaft' denotes a state or condition. So, it's the 'state of being captured' ('Gefangen').