occupier
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occupier
A person, usually a soldier, who belongs to a foreign military power that keeps a country or region militarily occupied and under control against the will of the local population.
Die Bevölkerung leistete Widerstand gegen die Besatzer.
The population resisted the occupiers.
The word 'Besatzer' (occupier) is derived from the verb 'besetzen' (to occupy). A group of occupiers forms 'die Besatzung' (the occupation force / crew) or 'die Besatzungsmacht' (the occupying power).
Die fremde Armee besetzte die Hauptstadt.
The foreign army occupied the capital.
This word has a very strong negative connotation and is used almost exclusively in a military or political context. It describes an unwanted foreign controlling power.
Die Zeitung berichtete über den brutalen Umgang der Besatzer mit Zivilisten.
The newspaper reported on the occupiers' brutal treatment of civilians.
Common expressions in connection with 'Besatzer' (occupier) are 'Widerstand leisten' (to resist), 'sich widersetzen' (to oppose / resist), or 'gegen die Besatzer kämpfen' (to fight against the occupiers).
Einige Bürger leisteten passiven Widerstand gegen die Besatzer.
Some citizens offered passive resistance against the occupiers.
conqueror
Both words can refer to a person in the context of the violent rule over a foreign territory. „Der Eroberer“ emphasizes that someone subjugates the territory and takes possession of it; „der Besatzer“ highlights the subsequent military occupation and control. „Der Eroberer“ is therefore more suitable for the victory, while „der Besatzer“ fits the continuing control.
Die Besatzer kontrollierten das fremde Gebiet auch nach dem Krieg weiter.
The occupiers continued to control the foreign territory even after the war.
Der Eroberer nahm das fremde Gebiet nach einem langen Krieg in Besitz.
After a long war, the conqueror took possession of the foreign territory.
