Prügellampe

Prügellampe is a colloquial German term that translates literally to "punishment lamp" or "spanking lamp." It refers to a type of light fixture, typically a simple incandescent bulb, that was historically used in prisons or other correctional facilities for disciplinary purposes. The purpose of such a lamp was often to provide a dim, constant light that would prevent inmates from sleeping and thereby disrupt their rest as a form of punishment or control. The light itself was not intended to cause physical harm but rather to create an uncomfortable and unsettling environment. The use of prügellampen is largely considered an outdated and inhumane practice, and they are not commonly found in modern correctional institutions. The term is sometimes used metaphorically in contemporary German to describe any oppressive or intrusive form of surveillance or control, even outside of a physical setting. Its historical context is rooted in custodial environments where the manipulation of light was a tool for maintaining order and enforcing discipline.