der  Besitz

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/bəˈzɪts/

What does "der Besitz" mean? 🤔

Der Besitz refers to the actual physical control or dominion over an object, regardless of who legally owns it. It's about physically having or being able to use something.

• Concrete meaning: That which someone possesses; belongings, assets, property. Example: Sein ganzer Besitz passt in einen Koffer. (His entire belongings fit into one suitcase.)
• Abstract meaning: The state of being able to possess or the fact of possessing. Example: Der Besitz von Wissen ist wertvoll. (The possession of knowledge is valuable.)

🚨 Important Distinction: German makes a strict distinction between Besitz (actual physical control) and Eigentum (legal ownership). If you rent a car, you have Besitz (you're driving it), but the rental company has Eigentum.

Article rules for der, die, and das

Grammar of "der Besitz" 🧐

"Besitz" is a masculine noun. It is mostly used in the singular, as it's often considered uncountable (like 'wealth' or 'belongings'). The plural form "die Besitze" is rare and usually refers to different properties or estates (e.g., "Landbesitze" - land holdings).

Declension Singular

Example Sentences

1. Der Dieb wurde wegen unerlaubten Besitzes einer Waffe verurteilt. (The thief was convicted for illegal possession of a weapon. - Genitive)
2. Er freut sich über seinen neuen Besitz. (He is happy about his new possession. - Accusative)
3. Sie nahm das Haus in Besitz. (She took possession of the house. - Accusative, fixed phrase)
4. Mit großem Besitz kommt oft große Verantwortung. (With great possessions often comes great responsibility. - Dative)

How to use "der Besitz"? ✍️

"Der Besitz" is used in various contexts:

• Everyday language: Often used synonymously with Hab und Gut (belongings) or even Eigentum (property/ownership), although legally not quite correct. Example: Er hat seinen gesamten Besitz verkauft. (He sold all his belongings.)
• Legal language: Here, the precise distinction from Eigentum (the legal right to a thing) is essential. "Besitz" is the actual control over the item. Example: Der Mieter ist Besitzer der Wohnung, der Vermieter ist Eigentümer. (The tenant is the possessor of the apartment, the landlord is the owner.)
• Economics: Can refer to assets or means of production. Example: Der Besitz von Aktien kann riskant sein. (The possession of stocks can be risky.)
• Abstractly: For non-material things. Example: Sie ist im Besitz wichtiger Informationen. (She is in possession of important information.)

Typical Collocations:

• etwas in Besitz nehmen / ergreifen (to take possession of sth.)
• im Besitz von etwas sein (to be in possession of sth.)
• privater / staatlicher / gemeinsamer Besitz (private / state / common possession/property)
• beweglicher / unbeweglicher Besitz (movable / immovable property (real estate))

⚠️ Avoid confusing "Besitz" and "Eigentum" in legal or formal contexts!

Memory Aids for "der Besitz" 🧠

For the article (der): Think of "Der boss sits on his Besitz (possessions)." The word "sitzen" (to sit) is part of "Besitz" and helps connect to the idea of physical control. "Boss" sounds masculine (der).

For the meaning (Besitz vs. Eigentum): Imagine you are sitting (Besitz) on a borrowed chair. You possess it right now, but it's not your Eigentum (ownership) - it belongs to someone else.

Synonyms & Antonyms for "Besitz" 🔄

Similar but potentially confusing words:

• Besetzung: (e.g., military occupation of a territory or casting in a play/film)
• Besessenheit: (Obsession)

A little Joke 😄

German: Fragt der Richter den Angeklagten: "Geben Sie zu, das Auto gestohlen zu haben?" Antwortet der Angeklagte: "Nein, Herr Richter, ich habe es nur kurzfristig in Besitz genommen, um schneller wegzukommen!"

English: The judge asks the defendant: "Do you admit to stealing the car?" The defendant replies: "No, Your Honor, I just took temporary possession of it to get away faster!"

A little Poem 📜

German:
Der Besitz, oft schwer zu tragen,
kann Freude bringen, kann auch plagen.
Was man hält in seiner Hand,
ist nicht immer Eigentum im Land.
Ein Haus, ein Buch, ein kleines Tier,
die Kontrolle hast du hier.
Doch denke dran, mit klugem Sinn,
Besitz allein bringt kaum Gewinn.

English Translation:
Possession, often hard to bear,
can bring joy, can also ensnare.
What one holds within one's hand,
is not always ownership in the land.
A house, a book, a little pet,
the control you have right yet.
But remember, with a clever mind,
possession alone brings little find (gain).

Riddle Time! 🤓

German:
Ich bin die Macht, die du grad hast,
auch wenn die Sache dir nicht passt.
Der Mieter hat mich, nicht der Herr,
dem rechtlich alles gehört umher.

Was bin ich?

English Translation:
I am the power that you currently hold,
even if the thing doesn't fit your mold.
The tenant has me, not the master,
to whom legally everything belongs thereafter.

What am I?

Solution: Der Besitz (Possession)

Other Information 🧐

Word Composition:

The word "Besitz" derives from the verb "besitzen" (to possess), which in turn comes from "sitzen" (to sit). It originally expressed the idea of "sitting" on something, thus having control over it.

Cultural Aspects:

The concepts of Besitz (possession) and Eigentum (ownership) are deeply embedded in Western societies, significantly influencing legal systems, economics, and social structures.