possession / estate
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possession
An area or territory that belongs to a state and is administered by it, especially a dependent overseas territory similar to a colony.
Hongkong war bis 1997 eine britische Besitzung in Asien.
Hong Kong was a British possession in Asia until 1997.
The noun 'Besitzung' (possession/estate) is derived from the verb 'besitzen' (to own). The ending '-ung' turns the act of possessing into a noun for what is possessed.
Der König herrschte über gewaltige Besitzungen.
The king ruled over vast possessions.
This word belongs to the word family of 'besitzen' (to own) and 'der Besitz' (possession/property). All of these words have to do with ownership and having things.
Er war stolz auf seinen Besitz.
He was proud of his property.
In the meaning 'Territorium' (territory), the word is used almost exclusively in a historical or political context, often in reference to former colonies.
Die Insel war lange Zeit eine portugiesische Besitzung.
The island was a Portuguese possession for a long time.
Using it for private property or land is considered elevated and somewhat old-fashioned today. You find it mainly in literature or when talking about nobility and historical land ownership.
Der Roman beschreibt das Leben auf einer adligen Besitzung im 19. Jahrhundert.
The novel describes life on a noble estate in the 19th century.
area / field
'das Gebiet' and 'die Besitzung' can both refer to a geographical area. 'Gebiet' is the normal, general word for a region or territory. 'Besitzung' emphasizes that this area belongs to someone, for example a state or a person. The word often sounds elevated, historical, or administrative. For ordinary regions, people usually say 'Gebiet'. 'Besitzung' fits better when ownership or political control is important.
Die Insel war früher eine Besitzung eines europäischen Staates.
The island used to be a possession of a European state.
Max kennt dieses Gebiet gut, weil er dort oft wandern geht.
Max knows this area well because he often goes hiking there.