occupation zone
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occupation zone
An area that is militarily controlled by foreign troops after a war. In Germany, the term is mainly used for the zones of the Allies after the Second World War.
Berlin war in vier Sektoren aufgeteilt, die den Besatzungszonen der Siegermächte entsprachen.
Berlin was divided into four sectors that corresponded to the occupation zones of the victorious powers.
The word consists of 'die Besatzung' (occupation) and 'die Zone' (zone). 'Besatzung' is derived from the verb 'besetzen' (to occupy). So it is literally an 'occupation zone.'
Nach dem Krieg wurde das Land in mehrere Besatzungszonen aufgeteilt.
After the war, the country was divided into several occupation zones.
This term is very strongly connected with the history of Germany directly after the Second World War (1945-1949). In current usage, it is hardly used for present-day conflicts.
Mein Großvater lebte in der amerikanischen Besatzungszone.
My grandfather lived in the American occupation zone.
The word is almost always mentioned in connection with the four victorious powers of the Second World War: the American, British, French, and Soviet occupation zones.
Die sowjetische Besatzungszone wurde später zur DDR.
The Soviet occupation zone later became the GDR.
zone
'die Zone' and 'die Besatzungszone' both refer to a defined area. But 'Zone' is much more general: it can be a parking zone, a danger zone, or a climate zone. 'Besatzungszone' is a special type of zone. It means an area that is controlled by foreign troops after a war. The words can be confused because historical texts often simply speak of 'Zonen' (zones). However, when the topic is military control after a war, 'Besatzungszone' is more precise.
Nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg wurde Deutschland in mehrere Besatzungszonen geteilt.
After the Second World War, Germany was divided into several occupation zones.
In dieser Zone dürfen Autos nur mit besonderer Erlaubnis fahren.
In this zone, cars may only drive with special permission.