Todeszelle
The English phrase 'death row' is translated into German as Todeszelle.
Todeszelle refers to the specific section of a prison where inmates sentenced to death are held.
Meaning: section of a prison which houses those inmates who are sentenced to death (noun)
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish between the location and the legal concept. Todeszelle refers to the physical place of confinement (death row), whereas Todesstrafe refers to the death penalty itself.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the English idiom 'on death row' (meaning to be held in that specific cell), German uses the prepositional phrase in der Todeszelle, which literally translates to 'in the death cell'.
Did you know?
- Because Germany does not have death row, the term Todeszelle is almost exclusively encountered by Germans in translations of American crime novels or legal thrillers.
- While Todeszelle describes the cell, German speakers often use the phrase zum Galgen bringen, meaning 'to bring to the gallows', to describe the process of leading someone to their execution.
- Unlike the English 'death row', which can be used metaphorically to describe a period of impending doom, using Todeszelle in German remains strictly literal and tied to the prison environment.
Examples in context
- Der Gefangene wartet in der Todeszelle.The prisoner is waiting in the death row cell.
Example conversation
Hannah and Felix are discussing a true crime documentary.
- HannahDer Film zeigt die Todeszelle sehr detailliert.The movie shows the death cell in great detail.
- FelixDas wirkt wirklich sehr beklemmend, Hannah.That seems really oppressive, Hannah.
- HannahJa, niemand möchte in einer Todeszelle sein.Yes, nobody wants to be in a death cell.
- FelixDas kann ich mir gut vorstellen, Felix.I can imagine that well, Felix.
