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.
'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.
apartment
'die Wohnung' and 'der Wohnsitz' can both relate to the place where someone lives. 'Wohnung' means the actual rooms, for example in a building. 'Wohnsitz' is more formal and means the official place where someone is registered and mainly lives. The word is often used with authorities, forms, or legal topics. The confusion happens because both have to do with living. For everyday use, 'Wohnung' is usually the right choice. For official information, 'Wohnsitz' is more precise.
Auf dem Formular muss er seinen Wohnsitz in Deutschland angeben.
On the form, he has to state his residence in Germany.
Moritz gibt seiner Nachbarin den Schlüssel zur Wohnung.
Moritz gives his neighbor the key to the apartment.