everything that belongs to someone, for example money, houses, land, or objects; also what a family or institution holds
meist Singularmostly singular
Common phrases
den Besitz erbento inherit the property
den Besitz verkaufento sell the property
Synonyms
Eigentumproperty
Das Schloss ist seit Jahrhunderten im Besitz der Familie.
The castle has been in the family's possession for centuries.
Nach dem Tod der Mutter verkauften die Kinder den gesamten Besitz.
After their mother's death, the children sold the entire estate.
2possession, custody, holding
the state of having an item with you or at your disposal, even if it might not legally belong to you; often in connection with prohibitions or documents
im Besitz + Gen oder von + Datim Besitz + genitive or von + dative
Common phrases
Besitz einer Fahrerlaubnispossession of a driving permit
Besitz eines Führerscheinspossession of a driver's license
Besitz einer Waffepossession of a weapon
Besitz ergreifento take possession
Der Mann wurde wegen Besitzes einer Waffe angezeigt.
The man was reported for possession of a weapon.
Er ist im Besitz eines gültigen Führerscheins.
He is in possession of a valid driver's license.
The word often appears in newspapers, historical texts, and official language. One usually says "im Besitz von jemandem" or "im Besitz einer Sache". In everyday life, people tend to say "Eigentum" or "gehören" for individual items.
der Besitz, singular mostly without plural; plural: Besitze (rare)
⚠Besitz is not always Eigentum (ownership) in the legal sense.