German word

Besitz

Pronunciation

IPA/bəˈzɪt͡s/

Meaning

  • masculine nounpossession

Example

Das Gemälde ist in ihrem Besitz.

The painting is in her possession.

Illustration for Besitz (possession)

More examples

Dieser Park ist öffentlicher Besitz.

This park is public property.

Core concept

A person's current holding: things or rights kept available for use, including property held without legal ownership.

Common phrases

  • privater Besitz

    private property

  • öffentlicher Besitz

    public property

Similar words

Eigentum: Legally recognized ownership of something.
Besitztümer: A collection of personal possessions.
Habseligkeiten: Small personal belongings carried during travel or a move.
Gegenstand: A single tangible object or tool.

Definition in German

Besitz bezeichnet die Sachen oder Rechte, die jemand tatsächlich hat oder nutzt.

Word origin

Besitz comes through Middle High German besitz from besitzen, a formation using the prefix be- with the Germanic verb sitzen.

Usage tips

  • Besitz commonly contrasts with Eigentum: Besitz concerns actual holding or control, while Eigentum denotes legal ownership.

Other meanings

  • propertynoun
  • ownershipnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word