residence
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residence
The place where a person is officially and legally registered and mainly lives. This is a term from administrative language.
Für den Antrag müssen Sie einen festen Wohnsitz in Deutschland nachweisen.
For the application, you must provide proof of a permanent residence in Germany.
to change residence
A formal expression for moving; to change one's officially registered place of residence to another location.
Nach dem Studium hat er seinen Wohnsitz von der Stadt aufs Land verlegt.
After his studies, he changed his residence from the city to the countryside.
'Wohnsitz' is composed of the words 'wohnen' (to live) and 'Sitz' (seat). So it literally describes the 'seat' or place where one officially lives.
Sein Hauptwohnsitz ist in Berlin.
His main residence is in Berlin.
'Wohnsitz' is a formal term from administrative language (officialese). In everyday speech, most people say 'Adresse' (address), 'Zuhause' (home), or phrase it with the verb 'wohnen' (to live).
Bitte geben Sie im Formular Ihren aktuellen Wohnsitz an.
Please enter your current residence on the form.
In official contexts, 'Wohnsitz' is often combined with certain verbs. Typical phrases are: 'einen Wohnsitz anmelden/abmelden' (to register/deregister a residence), 'einen festen Wohnsitz haben' (to have a permanent residence), or 'einen Wohnsitz nachweisen' (to prove a residence).
Um das Auto anzumelden, müssen Sie einen festen Wohnsitz in der Stadt haben.
To register the car, you must have a permanent residence in the city.
The phrase 'seinen Wohnsitz verlegen' (to change one's residence) is a fixed and formal expression for 'umziehen' (to move). The verb 'verlegen' is used here in its meaning of 'to move something to another place.'
Meine Tante hat ihren Wohnsitz aus beruflichen Gründen nach Hamburg verlegt.
My aunt changed her residence to Hamburg for professional reasons.
place of residence
Both words can refer to the place where someone lives permanently. Wohnort is the usual term for the city, municipality, or village, while Wohnsitz emphasizes the officially registered and legally relevant place of residence. In everyday situations, people are more likely to ask about someone’s Wohnort; in administrative matters, they ask about their Wohnsitz.
Für den Antrag musste er seinen Wohnsitz in Köln nachweisen.
He had to provide proof of his residence in Cologne for the application.
Als Wohnort gab sie Köln an.
She stated Cologne as her place of residence.
