der Gefangene
Translation
prisoner, captive
Examples
Die Gefangenen wurden freigelassen.
The prisoners were released.
Der Wärter spricht mit den Gefangenen.
The guard is speaking with the prisoners.
Grammar Patterns
((nominative plural)) The prisoners... Die Gefangenen sind frei.
((dative plural)) to the prisoners... Der Staat hilft den Gefangenen.
((accusative plural)) the prisoners... Man lässt die Gefangenen frei.
Similar Words
Synonyms: der Häftling (inmate), der Insasse (inmate)
Etymology
A substantivized adjective from 'gefangen', the past participle of 'fangen' (to catch). It literally means 'a captured one'.
Memory Tips
The root is 'fangen' (to catch). Imagine a creature caught by fangs. That captured being is a 'Gefangene'.