Cette page dans ta langue

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A1 adjective #2,000 le plus courant 15 min de lecture

besetzt

Top 2,000

At the A1 beginner level, your primary goal with the word besetzt is to understand and use it in the most basic, practical, and immediate situations you will face when navigating a German-speaking environment. You need this word to survive public transport, cafes, and finding a restroom. At this stage, you do not need to worry about complex grammar, adjective declensions, or abstract meanings. You simply need to memorize the phrase 'ist besetzt' (is occupied) and its opposite 'ist frei' (is free). When you walk onto a train and see a seat that might be available, you will ask, 'Ist hier frei?' (Is it free here?). If the person sitting next to the empty seat says 'Nein, besetzt' or 'Der Platz ist besetzt', you immediately know you must keep looking. This simple interaction is one of the most common exchanges a tourist or new resident will have. Similarly, when you approach a public toilet, you look for the red sign that says 'Besetzt'. If you see it, you wait. If you try a door handle and someone shouts 'Besetzt!', you apologize and step back. You also learn to use it on the phone. If you try to call your new German friend and hear a rapid beeping tone, you learn that 'Das Telefon ist besetzt' means the line is busy. You do not use this word for people; you only use it for things and spaces. By mastering these highly specific, highly frequent physical scenarios, you build a foundation of practical vocabulary that allows you to interact politely and effectively in public spaces without causing offense or confusion. The word is treated almost like a fixed vocabulary token at this level, a simple label for 'unavailable space'.

As you progress to the A2 level, your understanding and application of besetzt begin to expand slightly beyond the immediate physical environment, though it remains firmly rooted in everyday, practical usage. You start to construct slightly more complex sentences and use the word in different tenses. Instead of just saying 'Der Platz ist besetzt', you might talk about a past experience: 'Gestern war das Restaurant komplett besetzt' (Yesterday the restaurant was completely full/occupied). You also begin to use it more confidently in telecommunications contexts, explaining to others why you couldn't reach someone: 'Ich habe versucht, ihn anzurufen, aber es war immer besetzt' (I tried to call him, but it was always busy). At this level, you also start to recognize the related word 'besetzen' as a verb, though you mostly stick to the adjective form. You might encounter signs that say 'Bitte nicht besetzen' (Please do not occupy) in certain areas. You also become more aware of the social nuances. You learn that it is polite to ask 'Ist dieser Platz noch frei?' rather than just assuming a seat is besetzt. You start to distinguish more clearly between besetzt (currently occupied) and reserviert (booked for later), which is crucial for navigating German train travel where seats are often reserved digitally. You might say, 'Der Platz ist nicht besetzt, aber er ist reserviert'. You also firmly solidify the rule that you cannot say 'Ich bin besetzt' to mean 'I am busy', confidently using 'Ich bin beschäftigt' instead. Your vocabulary is growing, allowing you to describe situations involving unavailability with greater accuracy and in different timeframes, making your storytelling and daily reporting much more natural.

At the B1 intermediate level, your use of besetzt becomes significantly more versatile and begins to touch upon professional and administrative contexts. You are no longer just looking for a seat on a bus; you are now talking about job markets, appointments, and organizational structures. In a professional setting, you will frequently use besetzt to talk about job vacancies. If you are applying for a job, you might receive an email saying, 'Die Stelle ist leider schon besetzt' (The position is unfortunately already filled). You understand that in this context, besetzt means a role has been taken by a candidate. You also use it when organizing meetings: 'Der Konferenzraum ist von 10 bis 12 Uhr besetzt' (The conference room is occupied from 10 to 12). Grammatically, you are now comfortable using besetzt as an attributive adjective before a noun, applying the correct declension endings. You can say 'ein besetzter Platz' (an occupied seat) or 'das besetzte Zimmer' (the occupied room) correctly within a complex sentence. You also start to encounter the historical and political meaning of the word. When reading simplified news articles or history texts, you understand phrases like 'das besetzte Gebiet' (the occupied territory), recognizing that the core concept of 'taken space' applies to land and countries as well. You might also use the phrase 'besetzt halten' (to keep occupied/save a seat): 'Kannst du mir bitte den Platz besetzt halten?' (Can you please save the seat for me?). Your ability to use besetzt across physical, telephonic, professional, and historical contexts demonstrates a solid intermediate grasp of the language's flexibility.

Reaching the B2 upper-intermediate level means you are comfortable with the nuanced and abstract applications of besetzt. You are reading more complex texts, such as newspapers, literature, and professional reports, where the word appears in sophisticated structures. In the context of arts and entertainment, you now understand besetzt in relation to casting. You can discuss a movie and say, 'Der Film ist hervorragend besetzt' (The film is excellently cast), meaning the roles are filled by great actors. You also understand nouns derived from the root, such as 'die Besetzung' (the cast, or the occupation). In political discussions, you can confidently talk about 'Besatzungsmächte' (occupying powers) or 'besetzte Zonen' (occupied zones) with historical accuracy. You are also highly proficient in using the verb 'besetzen' actively. You might read about protesters: 'Die Demonstranten haben das Gebäude besetzt' (The protesters have occupied the building). You understand idiomatic and figurative uses. If someone is constantly thinking about a specific topic, you might hear that their mind is 'mit diesem Gedanken besetzt' (preoccupied with this thought), though this is less common than other phrases. You are completely immune to the 'Ich bin besetzt' mistake, and you effortlessly choose between besetzt, belegt, reserviert, and vergeben depending on the exact shade of meaning required. Your use of adjective endings with besetzt is automatic and flawless, even in complex genitive or dative constructions. You can write formal emails stating, 'Da die Position des Projektleiters derzeit nicht besetzt ist...' (Since the position of project manager is currently not filled...). Your command of the word is precise, professional, and culturally informed.

At the C1 advanced level, your mastery of besetzt is near-native. You navigate its usage effortlessly across all registers, from highly informal slang to dense academic or legal texts. You are acutely aware of the subtle connotations the word carries in different contexts. In literary or psychological contexts, you understand 'besetzt' when it refers to emotional or psychological investment. In psychoanalysis (Freudian terms), a concept or object can be 'libidinös besetzt' (cathected/invested with libidinal energy). While highly specialized, you recognize this academic usage. You also use advanced compound words effortlessly, such as 'doppelt besetzt' (double-booked or double-cast) or 'fehlbesetzt' (miscast, either in a movie or a corporate role). You might critique a management decision by saying, 'Diese Abteilung ist personell völlig fehlbesetzt' (This department is completely miscast/wrongly staffed). You can engage in deep historical debates about 'Besatzungszeit' (period of occupation) and the socio-political implications of 'Hausbesetzungen' (squatting/occupying houses), a significant cultural phenomenon in cities like Berlin. You play with the language, using phrases like 'jeden Posten mit eigenen Leuten besetzen' (to fill every post with one's own people) when discussing political nepotism. Your understanding of the word is not just about translation; it is about the cultural and historical weight the word carries in the German-speaking world. You instinctively know when a space is 'belegt' versus 'besetzt' based on regional dialects or subtle contextual clues that a dictionary might not capture. Your vocabulary is rich, and besetzt is just one precisely honed tool in your extensive linguistic arsenal.

At the C2 mastery level, besetzt is fully integrated into your intuitive grasp of the German language. You manipulate the word and its derivatives with the finesse of a native speaker, employing it in poetry, complex rhetoric, and highly technical jargon without hesitation. You understand the deepest etymological roots of 'besetzen' and how it connects to 'sitzen' (to sit) and 'setzen' (to set/place), giving you a profound structural understanding of the vocabulary. You appreciate the irony or sarcasm when the word is used subversively. For instance, if someone is taking up too much space in a conversation, you might metaphorically think of them as 'den Raum besetzend' (occupying the room). You are comfortable with archaic or highly specific administrative uses, such as 'ein Amt besetzen' (to fill an office) in constitutional law. You can seamlessly translate complex English concepts into German using the exact right form of besetzt, knowing exactly when a literal translation fails and a cultural equivalent is needed. You might write a dissertation analyzing the 'Besetzung' of public spaces in modern urban planning. You recognize regional variations in how the word is pronounced or favored over synonyms in Switzerland or Austria. At this level, you don't just know what besetzt means; you know how it feels, how it sounds in the rhythm of a perfect German sentence, and how it shapes the perception of space, availability, and power in the German cultural mindset. Your usage is flawless, expressive, and deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of the language.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

besetzt en 30 secondes

Means occupied or taken for seats and rooms.
Means busy for telephone lines.
Means filled for job positions.
Never used to say a person is busy.

The German word besetzt is an incredibly common and highly useful adjective that you will encounter almost immediately upon arriving in any German-speaking country. At its most basic and fundamental level, besetzt translates directly to occupied, taken, or busy in English. It is the exact word you need when you are trying to determine if a physical space, such as a seat on a crowded train, a table at a bustling cafe, or a stall in a public restroom, is currently being used by someone else or is available for you to use. Understanding and recognizing this word is absolutely crucial for navigating daily life, as it prevents awkward social situations and helps you communicate your own needs effectively. For example, if you see an empty seat next to someone on a bus, you might ask if it is free, and they might reply that it is besetzt, meaning they are saving it for a friend or someone is already sitting there but just stepped away for a moment.

Entschuldigung, ist dieser Platz hier noch frei oder ist er schon besetzt?

Beyond physical spaces, besetzt is also the standard term used for telecommunications. When you try to call someone on the phone and they are already on another call, the line is described as besetzt. You will often hear the phrase 'besetzt sein' in this context, which translates to 'to be busy' regarding a phone line.

Physical Space: Used to describe seats, rooms, toilets, and tables that are currently taken by another person.

Ich wollte auf die Toilette gehen, aber sie war leider besetzt.

Another significant context for besetzt is in the professional or human resources world. When a job opening or a specific position within a company has been filled by a candidate, that position is now besetzt. You will frequently see this in job advertisements or hear it from recruiters when a vacancy is no longer available.

Die Leitung ist besetzt, bitte versuchen Sie es später noch einmal.

Furthermore, in a historical or military context, besetzt translates to 'occupied' in the sense of an occupied territory or country. While this is a more advanced usage, it shares the same root concept: a space that is taken or controlled by an entity.

Telecommunications: Describes a phone line that is currently in use, resulting in a busy signal when called.

Wir können diese Stelle nicht mehr anbieten, sie ist bereits besetzt.

The word itself comes from the past participle of the verb besetzen, which means to occupy, to fill, or to cast (as in casting actors for a play or movie). This is why a well-cast movie is described as 'gut besetzt'.

Employment: Refers to a job vacancy or position that has been successfully filled by an applicant.

Das Land war während des Krieges viele Jahre lang besetzt.

To fully master this word, you must practice recognizing it in all these different environments. Whether you are navigating a crowded train in Berlin, trying to call a local business in Munich, or reading a history book about Europe, besetzt is a word that will constantly appear. Its versatility makes it a cornerstone of the German A1 vocabulary list, and mastering its various applications will significantly boost your confidence and comprehension in everyday German interactions.

Using the word besetzt correctly in German sentences is relatively straightforward, especially for beginners at the A1 level, because it functions primarily as a standard adjective. Most commonly, you will use it as a predicate adjective, meaning it follows a linking verb like 'sein' (to be) and describes the subject of the sentence. In this structure, the adjective besetzt does not change its ending; it remains exactly as it is, regardless of the gender, number, or case of the noun it is describing. This makes it incredibly easy to use in quick, everyday conversations. For instance, if you want to say 'The seat is taken', you simply say 'Der Platz ist besetzt'. The noun 'Platz' is masculine, but besetzt stays the same.

Dieser Stuhl ist leider schon besetzt.

Similarly, if you are talking about a feminine noun like 'Toilette' (toilet/restroom), you say 'Die Toilette ist besetzt'. Again, no ending is added. If you are talking about a neuter noun like 'Zimmer' (room), it is 'Das Zimmer ist besetzt'. Even in the plural, such as 'Die Plätze sind besetzt' (The seats are taken), the word besetzt remains unchanged. This predictability is a huge relief for German learners who are often intimidated by adjective declensions.

Predicate Adjective: When used after the verb 'sein', besetzt takes no endings. Example: Der Tisch ist besetzt.

Alle Tische in diesem Restaurant sind heute Abend besetzt.

However, as you progress in your German studies, you will also need to use besetzt as an attributive adjective. This means placing it directly before the noun it describes. When used this way, besetzt must take the appropriate adjective endings based on the gender, number, and case of the noun, as well as the article preceding it. For example, 'an occupied seat' would be 'ein besetzter Platz' (nominative, masculine, mixed inflection). 'The occupied room' would be 'das besetzte Zimmer' (nominative, neuter, weak inflection).

Ich habe aus Versehen die Tür der besetzten Toilette geöffnet.

Another common grammatical structure involving besetzt is its use with the verb 'halten' (to keep/hold). If you are saving a seat for a friend who has gone to the restroom, you are keeping the seat occupied. In German, you would say 'Ich halte den Platz besetzt'. This is a very useful phrase to memorize for train journeys or cinema visits.

Attributive Adjective: When placed before a noun, it must be declined. Example: Ein besetzter Platz.

Können Sie diesen Platz bitte für mich besetzt halten?

You will also frequently use besetzt in questions. The most common question pattern is 'Ist [noun] besetzt?' For example, 'Ist hier besetzt?' (Is it taken here?) or 'Ist das Telefon besetzt?' (Is the phone busy?). Answering these questions is just as simple: 'Ja, es ist besetzt' (Yes, it is taken) or 'Nein, es ist frei' (No, it is free).

With Verbs: Often used with 'sein' (to be) and 'halten' (to keep). Example: besetzt halten.

Das Telefon war den ganzen Vormittag besetzt.

By mastering these simple sentence structures, you will be able to navigate public spaces in Germany with ease and confidence. Remember that as an A1 learner, your primary goal is clear communication, and the uninflected predicate form of besetzt is your best tool for achieving that in situations involving occupied spaces or busy phone lines.

The word besetzt is ubiquitous in the German-speaking world, and you will hear it in a wide variety of everyday situations. One of the most common places you will encounter this word is on public transportation, particularly on trains (Züge), trams (Straßenbahnen), and buses (Busse). During rush hour or on popular long-distance routes, finding a seat can be a challenge. As you walk down the aisle looking for an empty spot, you will frequently need to ask passengers if the seat next to them is available. The standard response, if someone is sitting there or if the seat is being saved, is simply 'Besetzt' or 'Der ist leider besetzt'.

Im ICE nach München waren alle Plätze komplett besetzt.

Another extremely common location to hear and see this word is in public restrooms (öffentliche Toiletten). Many restroom doors in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland have a small indicator lock on the outside. When the door is unlocked and the stall is empty, the indicator usually shows the word 'Frei' (free) on a green background. When someone is inside and the door is locked, the indicator flips to show the word 'Besetzt' on a red background.

Public Transport: Used constantly on trains and buses to indicate that a seat is taken by another passenger.

Die Anzeige an der Tür zeigte rot, also war die Kabine besetzt.

Restaurants, cafes, and bars are also prime locations for encountering the word besetzt. If you walk into a busy restaurant without a reservation, you might find that all the tables are taken. The waiter or host might inform you, 'Es tut mir leid, aber alle Tische sind im Moment besetzt' (I am sorry, but all tables are currently occupied). Alternatively, if you see a table that looks empty but has a reserved sign on it, that table is also considered besetzt from your perspective, though the specific word 'reserviert' is often used on the sign itself.

Wir suchten ein Café, aber jedes einzelne war bis auf den letzten Platz besetzt.

The realm of telecommunications is another major area where besetzt is the standard terminology. If you are trying to call a doctor's office, a government agency, or a friend who loves to talk on the phone, you might hear a rapid beeping sound known as the 'Besetztzeichen' (busy signal).

Restaurants: Used by staff to explain that there are no available tables for walk-in customers.

Ich habe beim Arzt angerufen, aber es war ständig besetzt.

Finally, in a professional or corporate environment, you will hear besetzt when discussing meeting rooms (Besprechungsräume) or job positions (Stellen). If you need to hold a meeting but the conference room is already in use, a colleague will tell you 'Der Raum ist besetzt'. If you apply for a job but are too late, the HR department will inform you 'Die Position ist bereits besetzt'.

Offices: Used to indicate that a meeting room is currently in use by other employees.

Wir müssen warten, der Konferenzraum ist noch für zehn Minuten besetzt.

By familiarizing yourself with these common contexts, you will be well-prepared to understand and use besetzt appropriately in your daily interactions across the German-speaking world.

When learning the German word besetzt, English speakers frequently make a few specific and predictable mistakes due to direct translation errors and a misunderstanding of the word's precise scope. The absolute most common mistake is using besetzt to describe a person who is busy with work or activities. In English, we say 'The seat is busy' (occupied) and 'I am busy' (working). Because besetzt translates to 'busy' in the context of a phone line, learners logically but incorrectly assume it can apply to people as well. If you say 'Ich bin besetzt', a German speaker will likely chuckle, because it sounds like you are saying 'I am occupied' in the sense that someone is sitting on you, or that you are a public restroom currently in use.

FALSCH: Ich kann nicht kommen, ich bin besetzt.

To correctly say that a person is busy, you must use the word 'beschäftigt'. For example, 'Ich bin heute sehr beschäftigt' (I am very busy today). You can also say 'Ich habe viel zu tun' (I have a lot to do). Reserving besetzt strictly for objects, spaces, and phone lines is the most important rule to remember.

Mistake: People: Never use besetzt to say a person is busy. Use beschäftigt instead.

RICHTIG: Ich kann nicht kommen, ich bin sehr beschäftigt.

Another frequent error occurs when learners try to use besetzt to mean 'full' in a general sense. While a restaurant where all tables are besetzt is indeed full, you cannot use besetzt to describe a glass of water, a backpack, or a hard drive. For containers or spaces that are filled with substance or data, the correct word is 'voll' (full). You would say 'Das Glas ist voll' (The glass is full), not 'Das Glas ist besetzt'. Besetzt specifically implies that a designated spot or function is currently taken by an entity, preventing others from using it.

Mistake: Containers: Do not use besetzt for containers that are full of liquid or items. Use voll.

FALSCH: Mein Koffer ist komplett besetzt.

A third common mistake is confusing besetzt with 'reserviert' (reserved). While both mean a seat is unavailable to you, they describe different states. If a seat is besetzt, someone is actively using it or holding it right now. If a seat is reserviert, it means someone has booked it in advance, and it is being kept empty for them, even if they are not currently present. On German trains, seats can be physically empty but digitally marked as reserviert. If you sit in a reserviert seat, you will have to move when the person arrives. If a seat is besetzt, you simply cannot sit there in the first place.

Mistake: Reserved: Do not confuse besetzt (currently occupied) with reserviert (booked for future use).

Der Platz war leer, aber leider schon reserviert.

Finally, learners sometimes struggle with the pronunciation, pronouncing the 's' as a sharp 's' instead of a voiced 'z' sound, or emphasizing the wrong syllable. The emphasis should be on the second syllable: be-SETZT. By avoiding these common pitfalls—especially the 'Ich bin besetzt' mistake—you will sound much more natural and competent when speaking German.

When expanding your German vocabulary around the concept of spaces being taken or unavailable, it is highly beneficial to learn words that are similar to besetzt. While besetzt is the most general and widely used term for 'occupied', several other words offer more specific nuances depending on the exact situation. One of the most closely related words is 'belegt'. Belegt is often used interchangeably with besetzt when talking about rooms, beds, or courses. For example, if a hotel has no more rooms available, the receptionist might say 'Alle Zimmer sind belegt' (All rooms are occupied/booked). Similarly, if a university course has reached its maximum capacity, it is belegt.

Leider sind alle unsere Hotelzimmer für dieses Wochenende bereits belegt.

However, belegt has other meanings that besetzt does not share. For instance, a sandwich with cheese and ham is 'ein belegtes Brötchen' (a topped/filled bread roll). You would never call a sandwich besetzt. Another very important related word is 'reserviert' (reserved). As discussed in the common mistakes section, reserviert means a space has been booked in advance. A table in a restaurant might be empty, but if it has a 'Reserviert' sign, it is unavailable to walk-in guests.

belegt: Often used for hotel rooms, hospital beds, and university courses. Also means 'topped' for food.

Dieser Tisch ist für eine große Gruppe reserviert.

If you want to describe a space that is completely packed with people, to the point where no more can fit, you would use the word 'voll' (full) or 'überfüllt' (overcrowded). A train can be so voll that all seats are besetzt, and people are standing in the aisles. 'Der Zug ist völlig überfüllt' (The train is completely overcrowded).

voll / überfüllt: Used to describe a general area or container that has reached its maximum capacity.

Das Stadion war komplett voll, kein einziger Platz war mehr frei.

When talking about people being busy, as mentioned earlier, the correct word is 'beschäftigt'. If a person is tied up with work, they are beschäftigt. If a phone line is tied up, it is besetzt. Another related concept is 'vergeben' (taken/given away). This is often used for jobs, apartments, or even romantic relationship statuses. If an apartment has already been rented to someone else, the landlord might say 'Die Wohnung ist leider schon vergeben' (The apartment is unfortunately already taken).

vergeben: Used for apartments, jobs, or relationship statuses to indicate that something is no longer available.

Tut mir leid, aber diese lukrative Stelle ist bereits vergeben.

Finally, the direct opposite of besetzt is 'frei' (free/available). Whenever you are looking for a spot, you are hoping it is frei rather than besetzt. By understanding the subtle differences between besetzt, belegt, reserviert, voll, beschäftigt, and vergeben, you will be able to express yourself with much greater precision and sound much more like a native German speaker in a wide variety of everyday situations.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Informel

Argot

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Exemples par niveau

Der Platz ist besetzt.

The seat is taken.

Predicate adjective, no ending.

Die Toilette ist besetzt.

The toilet is occupied.

Predicate adjective with a feminine noun.

Ist hier besetzt?

Is it taken here?

Common question format.

Nein, es ist nicht besetzt.

No, it is not taken.

Negation with 'nicht'.

Das Telefon ist besetzt.

The phone is busy.

Used for telecommunications.

Dieser Stuhl ist besetzt.

This chair is taken.

Demonstrative pronoun 'dieser'.

Alle Tische sind besetzt.

All tables are occupied.

Plural subject, adjective remains unchanged.

Das Bad ist besetzt.

The bathroom is occupied.

Neuter noun 'Bad'.

Gestern war das Restaurant komplett besetzt.

Yesterday the restaurant was completely full.

Past tense with 'war'.

Ich habe angerufen, aber es war besetzt.

I called, but it was busy.

Past tense in a phone context.

Der Platz neben mir ist leider besetzt.

The seat next to me is unfortunately taken.

Preposition 'neben' with dative.

Können Sie den Platz kurz besetzt halten?

Can you hold the seat for a moment?

Use with the verb 'halten'.

Wir haben keinen Tisch bekommen, alles war besetzt.

We didn't get a table, everything was taken.

Two clauses connected by a comma.

Ist die Leitung immer noch besetzt?

Is the line still busy?

Vocabulary 'Leitung' for phone line.

Der Parkplatz ist schon besetzt.

The parking space is already taken.

Compound noun 'Parkplatz'.

Bitte schauen Sie, ob die Kabine besetzt ist.

Please check if the changing room is occupied.

Subordinate clause with 'ob'.

Die offene Stelle in der IT-Abteilung ist bereits besetzt.

The open position in the IT department is already filled.

Professional context, 'Stelle' meaning job.

Der Konferenzraum ist von zwei bis vier Uhr besetzt.

The conference room is occupied from two to four o'clock.

Time expressions with 'von... bis'.

Ich setze mich auf den nicht besetzten Stuhl.

I will sit on the unoccupied chair.

Attributive use with accusative ending '-en'.

Das besetzte Gebiet wurde nach dem Krieg befreit.

The occupied territory was liberated after the war.

Passive voice in the past tense.

Wir suchen einen Raum, der nicht besetzt ist.

We are looking for a room that is not occupied.

Relative clause.

Trotz der frühen Uhrzeit waren alle Plätze besetzt.

Despite the early hour, all seats were taken.

Preposition 'trotz' taking the genitive.

Die Position des Geschäftsführers muss neu besetzt werden.

The position of the managing director must be filled anew.

Passive infinitive with modal verb.

Ein besetztes Zeichen ertönte aus dem Hörer.

A busy signal sounded from the receiver.

Attributive adjective with neuter noun.

Der Film ist mit bekannten Schauspielern hervorragend besetzt.

The film is excellently cast with famous actors.

Figurative use meaning 'cast' in entertainment.

Die Demonstranten haben das leere Fabrikgebäude besetzt.

The protesters have occupied the empty factory building.

Active verb 'besetzen' in Perfekt tense.

Aufgrund des Streiks waren die Hotlines den ganzen Tag dauerhaft besetzt.

Due to the strike, the hotlines were permanently busy all day.

Adverb 'dauerhaft' modifying the adjective.

Es ist frustrierend, wenn jede Führungsposition intern besetzt wird.

It is frustrating when every leadership position is filled internally.

Passive voice in a conditional clause.

Die Besatzungsmächte hielten das Land jahrelang besetzt.

The occupying powers kept the country occupied for years.

Verb phrase 'besetzt halten' in Präteritum.

Er hat die Rolle des Bösewichts perfekt besetzt.

He filled the role of the villain perfectly.

Active use in a theatrical context.

Ein doppelt besetzter Termin führte zu großer Verwirrung im Büro.

A double-booked appointment led to great confusion in the office.

Compound participle 'doppelt besetzt'.

Solange der Posten besetzt ist, können wir keine neuen Bewerbungen annehmen.

As long as the post is filled, we cannot accept new applications.

Conjunction 'solange' introducing a dependent clause.

Die Abteilung ist chronisch unterbesetzt, was zu massiven Überstunden führt.

The department is chronically understaffed, which leads to massive overtime.

Derivative 'unterbesetzt' (understaffed).

In der Psychoanalyse spricht man davon, dass ein Objekt libidinös besetzt ist.

In psychoanalysis, one speaks of an object being libidinally cathected.

Highly academic/psychological jargon.

Die Hausbesetzer weigerten sich, das illegal besetzte Gebäude zu räumen.

The squatters refused to vacate the illegally occupied building.

Noun 'Hausbesetzer' and attributive 'besetzte'.

Die Jury war hochkarätig besetzt, was dem Wettbewerb großes Prestige verlieh.

The jury was top-class cast, which gave the competition great prestige.

Adverb 'hochkarätig' modifying besetzt.

Es gilt als strategischer Fehler, diese Schlüsselposition mit einem Anfänger zu besetzen.

It is considered a strategic mistake to fill this key position with a beginner.

Infinitive clause with 'zu besetzen'.

Die Leitung war wie verhext ununterbrochen besetzt.

The line was continuously busy as if jinxed.

Idiomatic comparison 'wie verhext'.

Das Orchester ist in allen Registern hervorragend besetzt.

The orchestra is excellently staffed in all sections.

Musical context referring to musicians.

Die Nischenmärkte sind mittlerweile alle von großen Konzernen besetzt.

The niche markets are meanwhile all occupied by large corporations.

Economic context meaning market share is taken.

Die Vakanz wurde in einer beispiellosen Hauruckaktion fehlbesetzt.

The vacancy was miscast in an unprecedented rushed action.

Advanced compound 'fehlbesetzt' and colloquial 'Hauruckaktion'.

Der Begriff der 'Heimat' ist im deutschen Diskurs historisch stark besetzt.

The concept of 'homeland' is historically heavily loaded in German discourse.

Metaphorical use meaning 'emotionally/historically loaded'.

Man muss darauf achten, dass die Gremien paritätisch besetzt sind.

One must ensure that the committees are staffed with equal representation.

Political/administrative terminology 'paritätisch'.

Die feindlichen Truppen hielten die strategisch wichtige Anhöhe monatelang besetzt.

The enemy troops kept the strategically important hill occupied for months.

Classic military usage in formal narrative past.

Sein Geist war derart von Rachegedanken besetzt, dass er keinen klaren Entschluss fassen konnte.

His mind was so occupied by thoughts of revenge that he could not make a clear decision.

Poetic/literary use describing a state of mind.

Die Neubesetzung des Vorstands wurde von den Aktionären kritisch beäugt.

The new staffing of the board of directors was eyed critically by the shareholders.

Noun form 'Neubesetzung' (re-staffing).

Ein durchgehend besetztes Signalton-Intervall deutet auf eine Netzüberlastung hin.

A continuously busy signal interval indicates network congestion.

Highly technical telecommunications jargon.

Das Stück war bis in die kleinsten Nebenrollen hinein grandios besetzt.

The play was grandiosely cast right down to the smallest supporting roles.

Theatrical critique terminology.

Collocations courantes

Platz besetzt

Toilette besetzt

Telefon besetzt

Stelle besetzt

Leitung besetzt

dauernd besetzt

komplett besetzt

besetzt halten

gut besetzt

neu besetzt

Phrases Courantes

Ist hier besetzt?

Der Platz ist besetzt.

Die Leitung ist besetzt.

Alles ist besetzt.

Besetzt halten.

Die Toilette ist besetzt.

Kein Anschluss, besetzt.

Die Stelle ist besetzt.

Ist noch besetzt?

Leider schon besetzt.

Souvent confondu avec

besetzt vs beschäftigt

besetzt vs reserviert

besetzt vs voll

Expressions idiomatiques

Facile à confondre

besetzt vs

Structures de phrases

Comment l'utiliser

nuances

Implies current, active occupation, unlike 'reserviert' which is future-oriented.

formality

Can be used in any setting.

exceptions

Cannot be used for full containers (use 'voll').

Erreurs courantes

Saying 'Ich bin besetzt' instead of 'Ich bin beschäftigt' when busy.
Using 'besetzt' to describe a full container instead of 'voll'.
Confusing 'besetzt' (currently occupied) with 'reserviert' (booked for later).
Adding incorrect adjective endings when used as a predicate (e.g., 'Der Platz ist besetzter').
Pronouncing the 's' as a sharp 's' instead of a voiced 'z'.

Astuces

Predicate Use

Stick to using 'ist besetzt' at the beginner level. It requires no adjective endings and is grammatically foolproof.

Not for People

Never use besetzt to describe a person's schedule. Always use 'beschäftigt' when you mean 'I am busy'.

Train Travel

Always check the digital display above train seats. A seat might look empty but be 'reserviert', which functions similarly to 'besetzt' for you.

Polite Refusal

Add 'leider' (unfortunately) to soften the blow. 'Der Platz ist leider besetzt' sounds much friendlier.

Phone Signals

Learn to recognize the German 'Besetztzeichen' (busy signal) on the phone, which is a rapid, continuous beeping.

Restroom Signs

Red means 'Besetzt' (Occupied), Green means 'Frei' (Free). This is universal across German-speaking countries.

Opposites

Always learn antonyms together. The direct opposite of besetzt in everyday use is 'frei'.

Job Hunting

If you see 'Stelle besetzt' on a job portal, do not apply. The position has already been filled.

Beer Gardens

In crowded places, it's normal to share tables. Ask 'Ist hier frei?' and if they don't say 'besetzt', you can sit down.

Stress the Second Syllable

Make sure to stress the 'setzt' part of the word. Saying BE-setzt sounds unnatural; say be-SETZT.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

If you BE SETting on a chair, it is BESETZT (occupied).

Origine du mot

From Middle High German 'besetzen', meaning to set upon, to occupy.

Contexte culturel

Neutral, used in both formal and informal settings.

It is perfectly polite to simply say 'Besetzt' if someone tries to take a seat you are saving.

Universally understood across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"Entschuldigung, ist dieser Platz noch frei oder schon besetzt?"

"Ich habe versucht anzurufen, aber es war dauernd besetzt."

"Weißt du, ob die Toilette im Zug besetzt ist?"

"Haben wir noch einen Tisch frei oder ist alles besetzt?"

"Ist die Stelle im Marketing eigentlich schon besetzt?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe a time you couldn't find a seat because everything was besetzt.

Write a short dialogue between two people on a train arguing over a besetzt seat.

Explain the difference between besetzt and beschäftigt in your own words.

Write about a frustrating phone call where the line was constantly besetzt.

Describe a crowded restaurant where every table is besetzt.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, this is a very common mistake. 'Besetzt' is only used for objects, spaces, and phone lines. If you want to say you are busy, you must use the word 'beschäftigt'. Saying 'Ich bin besetzt' sounds like you are a public toilet currently in use.

'Besetzt' means a space is currently occupied or taken by someone right now. 'Reserviert' means a space has been booked in advance for someone, even if it is currently physically empty. You cannot sit in either, but the reason is different.

The most common and polite way to ask is 'Ist hier noch frei?' (Is it still free here?). You can also ask directly 'Ist dieser Platz besetzt?' (Is this seat taken?). Both are perfectly acceptable in Germany.

In German telecommunications, 'besetzt' translates to 'busy'. When you call someone and they are already on another call, the line is occupied, hence 'besetzt'. You will hear a rapid beeping sound called the 'Besetztzeichen'.

If you use it after the verb 'sein' (e.g., Der Stuhl ist besetzt), it does not change. If you put it directly before a noun (e.g., ein besetzter Stuhl), it must take the correct adjective declension ending based on gender and case.

No. For containers that are filled with a substance, you must use the word 'voll' (full). 'Besetzt' implies a designated spot is claimed by an entity, not filled with liquid or mass.

In a professional context, 'die Stelle' means the job position. If it is 'besetzt', it means the company has hired someone for that role and the vacancy is no longer available. It translates to 'the position is filled'.

In Germany, direct communication is normal. If someone points to a chair you are saving and asks if it's free, simply saying 'Besetzt' or 'Leider besetzt' is considered standard and not rude. It is just stating a fact.

The noun form is 'die Besetzung'. It can mean the casting of a play or movie, the staffing of a company, or a military occupation, depending entirely on the context in which it is used.

The emphasis is on the second syllable: be-SETZT. The first 's' is pronounced like an English 'z', and the 'tz' is pronounced like 'ts'. So it sounds roughly like 'buh-ZETST'.