A person or organization to whom something legally belongs; the owner. The term is often used as a formal or technical term for the owner of larger assets such as companies, ships, or real estate.
example
Der Eigner der Reederei hat den Verkauf von drei Containerschiffen bestätigt.
The owner of the shipping company confirmed the sale of three container ships.
Usage tips
Word family
'Eigner' belongs to the word family of 'eigen' (own) and 'das Eigentum' (property). This connection helps you quickly recognize and remember the meaning 'Besitzer' (owner).
EXAMPLE
Er ist der stolze Eigner eines Oldtimers.
He is the proud owner of a classic car.
Register and style
The word 'Eigner' (owner) is formal and is mainly used in technical or specialist language, especially in business, law, and shipping. In everyday language, 'Besitzer' (owner/possessor) or 'Eigentümer' (owner) is more common.
EXAMPLE
Der Eigner des Frachters muss für den Schaden aufkommen.
The owner of the freighter must pay for the damage.
Typical collocations
'Eigner' (owner) is often used for owners of large and valuable things. Typical combinations are 'Schiffseigner' (shipowner), 'Firmeninhaber' (company owner), or 'Eigner einer Immobilie' (owner of a property).
EXAMPLE
Die Eigner der Fluggesellschaft haben dem Verkauf zugestimmt.
The owners of the airline agreed to the sale.
Compare with
near_synonym
Eigner vs Besitzer
owner
'der Besitzer' and 'der Eigner' both mean a person or organization to whom something belongs. 'der Besitzer' is the normal everyday word and fits both small and large things. 'der Eigner' sounds more formal or technical and is used more often for major assets, for example ships, companies, or real estate. In normal conversation, people usually say 'Besitzer'. 'Eigner' is more suitable in texts, news reports, or legal and business contexts.
Eigner
Der Eigner des Schiffes ließ es im Hafen reparieren.
The owner of the ship had it repaired in the harbor.
Besitzer
Der Besitzer der Wohnung möchte die Küche renovieren.
The owner of the apartment wants to renovate the kitchen.