private property
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private property
Ownership of things, land, or capital that belongs to a private individual or a private company, and not to the state or the general public.
Das Betreten des Geländes ist verboten, da es sich um Privateigentum handelt.
Entering the grounds is prohibited because it is private property.
The word is a clear compound of the adjective 'privat' (private) and the noun 'das Eigentum' (property/ownership). It therefore refers to property that is in private hands.
Das Recht auf Privateigentum ist in der Verfassung verankert.
The right to private property is enshrined in the constitution.
To specify what the property consists of, the preposition 'an' with the dative is often used: 'das Privateigentum an etwas' (private ownership of something).
Die Diskussion drehte sich um das Privateigentum an Produktionsmitteln.
The discussion revolved around private ownership of the means of production.
A very common and practical use of the word is found on warning signs that prohibit unauthorized entry.
Am Zaun hing ein Schild: „Privateigentum! Betreten verboten!“
There was a sign hanging on the fence: 'Private property! No trespassing!'
possession
'der Besitz' and 'das Privateigentum' both have to do with things that someone has or that belong to someone. 'Besitz' is more general and works for personal belongings, money, or assets. In a legal sense, 'Besitz' can also mean that someone actually has or controls something, even if it does not belong to them. 'Privateigentum', on the other hand, emphasizes that something belongs to a private individual or a private company, and not to the state or to everyone jointly. Learners may confuse the words because both are often connected with 'gehören' (to belong). As a simple guide: for a person's things, you usually say 'Besitz'; when the contrast with state-owned or shared property is important, 'Privateigentum' fits better.
Das Schild am Zaun zeigt, dass dieses Grundstück Privateigentum ist.
The sign on the fence shows that this plot of land is private property.
Nach dem Umzug hat Maria ihren ganzen Besitz in Kisten gepackt.
After the move, Maria packed all her possessions into boxes.