das Gefängnis
Translation
prison, jail
Examples
Der Dieb musste für fünf Jahre ins Gefängnis.
The thief had to go to prison for five years.
Er wurde aus dem Gefängnis entlassen.
He was released from prison.
Grammar Patterns
ins Gefängnis gehen/kommen to go to prison He had to go to prison.
im Gefängnis sein/sitzen to be in prison He has been in prison for three years.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Haftanstalt (detention center), Knast (slang: jail)
Etymology
From the verb 'fangen' (to catch). The prefix 'Ge-' often forms collective nouns, and '-nis' is a noun-forming suffix. So, it's a 'place of being caught'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'ge-fang-en' (caught/captured). The place where you are 'gefangen' is the 'Ge-fäng-nis'.