family property
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family property
Property, such as a company, estate, or land, that belongs to a family and is often passed down over generations.
Das Hotel an der Küste ist seit über 100 Jahren in Familienbesitz.
The hotel on the coast has been family property for over 100 years.
The word is composed of 'Familie' (family), in the form 'Familien-', and 'Besitz' (property / possession). The '-n-' between the two parts is a typical linking element that makes the connection easier.
Das alte Schloss ist wertvoller Familienbesitz.
The old castle is valuable family property.
The most common use of this word is in the fixed expression 'in Familienbesitz sein' (to be family-owned / to be family property) or 'in Familienbesitz bleiben' (to remain family-owned / to remain family property). The duration is often added with 'seit' (since / for).
Der kleine Buchladen ist seit drei Generationen in Familienbesitz.
The small bookshop has been family-owned for three generations.
Typical family property people talk about includes companies, farms, wineries, hotels, or even art collections.
Das Weingut an der Mosel ist seit 1880 in Familienbesitz.
The winery on the Moselle has been family-owned since 1880.
possession
'der Besitz' and 'der Familienbesitz' both talk about property. 'Besitz' is general and can belong to an individual person, a company, or a family. 'Familienbesitz' is more precise: it refers to property that belongs to a family and often stays in the family for a long time, for example a house, a farm, land, or a business. The words can be confused because 'Familienbesitz' is a special form of 'Besitz'. If the only important point is that someone owns something, 'Besitz' is enough. If the family and the passing down over generations are important, 'Familienbesitz' is more precise.
Der kleine Bauernhof bleibt auch nach dem Verkauf der Felder im Familienbesitz.
The small farm remains family property even after the fields are sold.
David sagt, dass sein wichtigster Besitz ein altes Fotoalbum ist.
David says that his most important possession is an old photo album.