obsession / possession
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obsession
A state in which a person is extremely strongly fixated on a single thing, idea, or person and can hardly think about anything else. This fixation can take on compulsive features.
Seine Besessenheit für das Projekt führte dazu, dass er Tag und Nacht arbeitete.
His obsession with the project led him to work day and night.
The word is derived from the adjective 'besessen' (obsessed/possessed), the past participle of 'besitzen' (to possess/own). The ending '-heit' forms an abstract noun. 'Besessenheit' therefore describes the state of being 'besessen' (obsessed/possessed) or taken over by an idea or a power.
Ihre Besessenheit von Perfektion macht die Zusammenarbeit schwierig.
Her obsession with perfection makes working together difficult.
To express what the obsession refers to, the preposition 'von' with the dative is usually used. Less common, but also possible, is 'für' with the accusative, especially for topics or activities.
Er hat eine Besessenheit von alten Münzen entwickelt.
He developed an obsession with old coins.
Common phrases are 'eine Besessenheit für etwas entwickeln' (to develop an obsession with something) or, when a strong fixation is being described, 'an Besessenheit grenzen' (to border on obsession). It is also often described with adjectives such as 'krankhaft' (pathological) or 'leidenschaftlich' (passionate).
Sein Interesse an dem Fall grenzte schon an Besessenheit.
His interest in the case already bordered on obsession.
This meaning is found almost exclusively in a religious, mythological, or supernatural context. Words such as 'Dämon' (demon), 'Teufel' (devil), 'Geist' (spirit/ghost), or 'Exorzismus' (exorcism) in the same sentence clearly point to this meaning.
Der Priester sollte die Besessenheit des Mannes untersuchen.
The priest was supposed to investigate the man's possession.
possession
'der Besitz' and 'die Besessenheit' look similar, but they mean very different things. 'Besitz' means things that belong to someone, or actual control over an object. 'Besessenheit', on the other hand, describes a strong inner state: a person is extremely fixated on a thing, idea, or person and can hardly think about anything else. In religious or spiritual texts, 'Besessenheit' can also mean that someone is controlled by a foreign power. Learners may confuse the words because of their similar form. Remember: 'Besitz' has to do with having, while 'Besessenheit' has to do with a strong compulsion or fixation.
Seine Besessenheit vom Erfolg macht ihn oft unruhig und unzufrieden.
His obsession with success often makes him restless and dissatisfied.
Im Fundbüro muss sie beweisen, dass der verlorene Schlüssel ihr Besitz ist.
At the lost and found, she has to prove that the lost key is her property.