property / possessions
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possessions
The totality of things that belong to a person or an organization; personal possessions or property. The term is often used in a formal or legal context.
Bei dem Brand verlor die Familie ihr gesamtes Besitztum.
In the fire, the family lost all their possessions.
property / estate
A single plot of land or estate that belongs to someone. In this meaning, the plural (Besitztümer) is often used.
Das alte Schloss war einst das wertvollste Besitztum der adligen Familie.
The old castle was once the noble family's most valuable property.
The word is derived from the verb 'besitzen' (to own/possess). The ending '-tum' forms a neuter noun that often describes a totality or a state. 'Das Besitztum' is therefore the totality of what one owns.
Er hat sein gesamtes Besitztum für einen guten Zweck gespendet.
He donated all his possessions to a good cause.
In the singular ('das Besitztum'), the word often refers to all of a person's possessions. In the plural ('die Besitztümer'), it usually means several individual, often valuable assets such as plots of land or buildings.
Die Versicherung deckt Schäden am gesamten Besitztum.
The insurance covers damage to all property.
'Besitztum' (property/possessions) is a formal term that often appears in legal, official, or insurance-related texts. In everyday language, the word is rather rare.
Im Testament wurde das Besitztum unter den Erben aufgeteilt.
In the will, the property was divided among the heirs.
possession
Besitz and Besitztum can both refer to all the things that belong to a person. Besitz is the neutral word commonly used in everyday life, while Besitztum sounds more formal or elevated and can place greater emphasis on specific possessions. In a normal conversation, Besitz is usually the more suitable choice.
Der wohlhabende Mann ließ sein gesamtes Besitztum sorgfältig verwalten.
The wealthy man had all his property managed with great care.
Sie zeigte ihren neuen Besitz stolz ihren Freunden.
She proudly showed her new possessions to her friends.
