besitzen

own

verb beh-ZIT-sen Common

Also means

possess

Usage Note

besitzen is the formal verb for owning property or qualities, more elevated than the everyday haben. It is inseparable (the be- prefix never detaches) and the related noun is der Besitz ('possession'). Past tense: besaß, besessen.

Examples

"Sie besitzt ein großes Haus."

Natural Translation

She owns a big house.

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