German word

Eigentum

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈaɪ̯gn̩tuːm/

Meaning

  • neuter nounproperty

Example

Ist das dein Eigentum?

Is that your property?

Illustration for Eigentum (property)

More examples

Im Unternehmen wird das geistige Eigentum streng geschützt.

Intellectual property is strictly protected in the company.

Core concept

A legal tag linking a person to a thing or enforceable right.

Common phrases

  • geistiges Eigentum

    intellectual property

  • privates Eigentum

    private property

  • öffentliches Eigentum

    public property

Similar words

Besitz: The state of physically holding or controlling a thing.
Eigentümer: A person recognized by law as owning a thing.

Definition in German

Eigentum ist das Recht oder die Sache, die einer Person rechtlich zugeordnet ist.

Word origin

Eigentum combines Old High German eigan, meaning "own" or "possess," with -tum, a suffix denoting a state or domain.

Usage tips

  • Eigentum is neuter, so the form is das Eigentum, and it is usually treated as an uncountable noun when property is meant generally.

Other meanings

  • assetsnoun
  • ownershipnoun

Opposites

  • Allmendecommonsnoun
  • Gemeineigentumcommon propertynoun

Related words

  • Eigentümerownernoun
  • Eigentumsrechtproperty rightnoun
  • Eigentumsschutzproperty protectionnoun

Word lists with this word