das  Eigentum

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈaɪ̯ɡn̩tuːm/

🤔 What does "das Eigentum" mean?

Das Eigentum (noun, neuter) refers to the legal right to dispose of a thing or a right at will and to exclude others from any interference, unless laws or the rights of third parties oppose it. It's about the legal ownership of something.

In everyday language, it's often used synonymously with "Besitz" (possession), but legally there's a difference:

• Eigentum (Ownership): The comprehensive legal right of disposal (who legally owns something).
• Besitz (Possession): The actual control or command over an item (who currently has or uses something). One can possess something without being the owner (e.g., a tenant in an apartment).

It almost always takes the article "das".

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Das Eigentum

"Das Eigentum" is a noun of neuter gender. It is mostly used in the singular. While the plural "die Eigentümer" exists, it's rare and usually refers to individual properties or plots of land.

Declension of "das Eigentum"

Note: The plural is uncommon. If used (e.g., for multiple properties), it is "die Eigentümer", "der Eigentümer", "den Eigentümern", "die Eigentümer".

Example Sentences

1. Das Haus ist mein Eigentum. (The house is my property.)
2. Der Schutz des Eigentums ist im Grundgesetz verankert. (The protection of property is anchored in the constitution.)
3. Er fügte seinem Eigentum weiteren Grundbesitz hinzu. (He added further real estate to his property.)
4. Sie verteidigte ihr Eigentum gegen den Dieb. (She defended her property against the thief.)

💡 How to Use "das Eigentum"?

"Das Eigentum" is primarily used in contexts relating to ownership, especially in legal and economic fields.

• Legal Context: Here, the distinction between Eigentum (legal ownership) and Besitz (actual possession) is important. Example: Der Mieter hat den Besitz an der Wohnung, der Vermieter das Eigentum. (The tenant has possession of the apartment, the landlord has ownership.)
• Economic Context: It can refer to private or state property, e.g., means of production or land. Example: Die Debatte um Privateigentum vs. Gemeineigentum. (The debate about private property vs. common property.)
• General Usage: Here, it's often used more loosely for anything that belongs to someone. Example: Pass auf deine Sachen auf, das ist dein Eigentum! (Watch your things, that's your property!)

Important Distinction:

• Das Eigentum: Legal ownership/title.
• Der Besitz: Actual possession/control.
• Das Vermögen: Assets/wealth (total economic value, includes Eigentum but also money, stocks etc.).

⚠️ Avoid confusing "Eigentum" and "Besitz" in legal contexts.

🧠 Memory Aids for "das Eigentum"

Remembering the article "das":

Think of things that are often considered property as neutral 'goods': das Gut (the good/asset), das Haus (the house), das Auto (the car). Many abstract nouns ending in -tum are neuter (das Altertum - antiquity, das Wachstum - growth). "Das Eigentum" fits this pattern.

Remembering the meaning:

Eigen sounds like "I-gen" or relates to English "own". The -tum suffix often denotes a state or collective concept. So, it's the state of 'owning' something, what is your own = das Eigentum (property/ownership).

🔄 Similar and Opposite Words

Related Terms:

• Geistiges Eigentum: Intellectual property (rights to intangible goods like inventions, works).
• Eigentümer/in: Owner (male/female).
• Eigentumswohnung: Condominium, owner-occupied flat.

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Richter den Angeklagten: "Geben Sie zu, das Fahrrad gestohlen zu haben?"
Antwortet der Angeklagte: "Nein, Herr Richter! Ich dachte, es wäre herrenloses Eigentum – es stand seit drei Wochen unangeschlossen vor dem Fundbüro!"

Translation:
The judge asks the defendant: "Do you admit to stealing the bicycle?"
The defendant replies: "No, Your Honor! I thought it was ownerless property – it had been standing unlocked in front of the lost-and-found office for three weeks!"

📜 Poetic Words about Eigentum

Was mein ist, sag ich stolz und frei,
Ob Haus, ob Hof, ob Kleckerei.
Das Eigentum, ein starkes Band,
Hält fest die Dinge in der Hand.

Doch ist es mehr als nur Besitz,
Ein Recht, verankert, fest wie Gritz.
Drum schütze es, halt es in Ehr,
Dein Eigentum, was willst du mehr?

Translation:
What's mine, I say proudly and free,
Be it house, or yard, or small decree.
Ownership (das Eigentum), a sturdy band,
Holds things firmly in the hand.

But it is more than just possession's hold,
A right, anchored, firm like grit of old.
So protect it, hold it in esteem,
Your property, what more could you dream?

🧩 Fun Riddle

Ich bin ein Recht, nicht nur ein Ding,
Bestimme, wem die Güter kling'.
Man kann mich kaufen und vererben,
Doch muss man mich auch recht erwerben.

Man sagt, ich sei heilig, doch manchmal umstritten,
Im Gesetzbuch bin ich fest beschritten.
Was bin ich, das dir rechtlich gehört?

(Lösung: Das Eigentum)

Translation:
I am a right, not just a thing,
I determine for whom the goods ring.
You can buy me and inherit me,
But you must also acquire me legally.

They say I am sacred, yet sometimes contested,
In the law books, I am firmly attested.
What am I, that legally belongs to you?

(Answer: Das Eigentum / Ownership/Property)

📎 Other Information

Word Composition:

The word "Eigentum" is composed of:

• eigen: Adjective meaning "own", "belonging to", "characteristic of".
• -tum: Suffix used to form abstract nouns (often neuter), denoting a state, collective, or domain (like in Königtum - kingdom, Christentum - Christianity, Altertum - antiquity).

Cultural Note:

The concept of private property (Privateigentum) is a cornerstone of Western social and economic systems and is guaranteed in the German Basic Law (Grundgesetz, Article 14 GG), although it also entails social obligations (Sozialpflichtigkeit).