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B1 noun #6,500 le plus courant 9 min de lecture

der Eigentümer

Top 6,500

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces der Eigentümer en 30 secondes

Explication der Eigentümer in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'der Eigentümer' means 'the owner'. It is a person who has something that belongs to them. You might see this word in simple forms or on signs. For example, 'Der Eigentümer von dem Hund' (The owner of the dog). It is a masculine noun, so we use 'der'. If it is a woman, we say 'die Eigentümerin'. You don't need to worry about the legal difference between owner and possessor yet. Just think of it as the person who bought the thing and 'has' it in a permanent way. It is a bit more formal than saying 'Das ist mein Auto', but it is very useful to recognize.

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At the A2 level, you should start noticing 'der Eigentümer' in contexts like housing and lost items. If you find a key on the street, you might ask: 'Wer ist der Eigentümer?' (Who is the owner?). You will also see it in plural form: 'die Eigentümer'. Remember that the plural doesn't change from the singular in the nominative case. You might also encounter compound words like 'Hauseigentümer' (house owner). At this level, you should be able to use it in basic sentences to describe who owns an object or a piece of property, using simple possessive structures.

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At the B1 level, you must understand the clear distinction between 'Eigentümer' and 'Besitzer'. This is a classic part of German culture and law. An 'Eigentümer' is the person who has the legal right to the object (the title), while the 'Besitzer' is the person who currently has it. For example, if you rent an apartment, the landlord is the 'Eigentümer' and you are the 'Besitzer'. You should also be comfortable using the genitive case with this word, which is very common: 'Das Auto des Eigentümers'. You will encounter this word in news reports about companies or in discussions about real estate and renting.

At the B2 level, you should be able to use 'der Eigentümer' in more complex legal and economic discussions. You will hear terms like 'Eigentumsverhältnisse' (ownership circumstances) or 'Eigentumsübertragung' (transfer of ownership). You should understand that 'Eigentum verpflichtet' (ownership entails obligations) is a social principle in Germany. You will also see the word in the context of 'Wohnungseigentümergemeinschaft' (WEG), which is important if you are looking to buy or manage property. Your usage should be precise, avoiding the common mistake of using 'Besitzer' when the legal status of ownership is the focus.

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At the C1 level, you are expected to use 'der Eigentümer' with complete legal and stylistic accuracy. You will encounter it in complex texts about the 'Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch' (BGB) and property law. You should understand nuances like 'wirtschaftlicher Eigentümer' (beneficial owner) versus 'juristischer Eigentümer' (legal owner). You will be able to discuss the 'Eigentümer-Besitzer-Verhältnis' (EBV), a specific set of legal rules regarding claims between owners and possessors. Your vocabulary should also include related terms like 'Miteigentümer' (co-owner) and 'Alleinbeigentümer' (sole owner).

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At the C2 level, you possess a native-like understanding of 'der Eigentümer' and its place in the German legal and philosophical landscape. You can discuss the historical development of the concept of ownership in Germany, from feudal times to the modern BGB. You are comfortable with highly specialized terms like 'Anwartschaftsrecht' (expectancy right) where someone is not yet the 'Eigentümer' but is on the way to becoming one. You can use the word in high-level academic writing, legal briefs, or philosophical debates about the nature of private property in a social market economy.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

der Eigentümer en 30 secondes

The legal owner of property or an object.
Distinguished from the 'Besitzer' (the person currently holding the item).
Used in real estate, business, and legal contexts.
A masculine noun with the feminine form 'Eigentümerin'.

The German noun der Eigentümer refers to the legal owner of an object, property, or right. In the German legal system, specifically within the Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB), there is a fundamental distinction between ownership (Eigentum) and possession (Besitz). An Eigentümer holds the ultimate legal title and right to dispose of the item as they wish, within the limits of the law. This word is most frequently encountered in contexts involving real estate, high-value assets like vehicles, and legal disputes. When you buy a house, you become the Hauseigentümer. If you lose your wallet, you remain the Eigentümer, even if someone else currently has it in their pocket (making them the Besitzer).

Legal Definition: According to § 903 of the BGB, the owner of a thing can, in so far as the law or the rights of third parties do not conflict, deal with the thing as he pleases and exclude others from any influence.

Der Eigentümer des Grundstücks hat das Recht, den Zutritt zu verweigern.

The term is gender-specific; a female owner is die Eigentümerin. The plural form for both is die Eigentümer (masculine/mixed) and die Eigentümerinnen (strictly feminine). You will see this word on doorbell signs in apartment buildings (Eigentumswohnung) or in the news when discussing corporate takeovers, where the 'Eigentümerstruktur' (ownership structure) of a company is analyzed. It carries a sense of permanence and formal authority that more casual words like 'Halter' (used for cars) or 'Inhaber' (used for businesses or tickets) do not always convey.

Economic Context: In economics, the 'Eigentümer' is the person who bears the residual risk and receives the residual profit of an enterprise.

Die neuen Eigentümer planen eine umfassende Sanierung des Gebäudes.

Understanding this word is crucial for navigating German bureaucracy. For example, when registering a vehicle, you distinguish between the Halter (the person whose name is on the registration) and the Eigentümer (who actually paid for and owns the car). These are often the same person, but not always. In a rental agreement, the Vermieter (landlord) is usually the Eigentümer, but they could also be a sub-lessor.

Using der Eigentümer correctly requires attention to the four German cases and the specific prepositions that often accompany it. As a masculine noun, it follows standard declension patterns. In the nominative case, it acts as the subject: 'Der Eigentümer ist unbekannt' (The owner is unknown). In the accusative case, it acts as the direct object: 'Wir suchen den Eigentümer' (We are looking for the owner). In the dative case, it follows certain prepositions or acts as an indirect object: 'Das gehört dem Eigentümer' (That belongs to the owner).

Genitive Case Usage: The genitive case is very common with this word, especially in legal and formal writing: 'Die Rechte des Eigentümers sind im Gesetz verankert' (The rights of the owner are anchored in the law).

Wir müssen die Zustimmung des Eigentümers einholen, bevor wir renovieren.

When using the word in compound nouns, the 'Eigentümer' often comes first or last. Common examples include Eigentümerversammlung (owners' meeting) or Wohnungseigentümer (apartment owner). Note that the plural form Eigentümer does not change in the nominative, accusative, or genitive, but adds an '-n' in the dative plural: 'Das wurde von den Eigentümern beschlossen' (That was decided by the owners).

Common Prepositions: 'Von' (by/from) and 'Seitens' (on the part of) are frequently used: 'Eine Mitteilung von den Eigentümern' or 'Ein Einspruch seitens des Eigentümers'.

Der Hund wurde seinem rechtmäßigen Eigentümer zurückgegeben.

When describing the act of being an owner, you use the related noun das Eigentum. For example, 'Das Haus ist mein Eigentum' (The house is my property), but 'Ich bin der Eigentümer des Hauses' (I am the owner of the house). The word is also used figuratively in some contexts, such as being the 'owner' of an idea or a project in a corporate setting, though Verantwortlicher (person responsible) is more common there.

Sind Sie der Eigentümer dieses Fahrzeugs?

You will encounter der Eigentümer in various professional and daily life scenarios in German-speaking countries. One of the most common places is in the realm of Real Estate. In Germany, many people live in apartments that are part of a larger complex. These apartments are often owned by individuals who form a Wohnungseigentümergemeinschaft (WEG - community of apartment owners). If you live in such a building, you will frequently hear about the 'Eigentümerversammlung', the annual meeting where owners decide on repairs and management.

News and Media: In the business section of newspapers like the 'Handelsblatt' or 'FAZ', you will read about 'Eigentümerwechsel' (change of ownership) when a company is sold or when a billionaire buys a sports club.

Der Eigentümer des Fußballvereins hat hohe Investitionen versprochen.

Another frequent context is Police and Law Enforcement. If a bicycle is stolen and later found, the police will look for the 'rechtmäßigen Eigentümer' (rightful owner). You might hear this over a loudspeaker in a shopping mall: 'Der Eigentümer eines blauen VW Golf mit dem Kennzeichen... wird gebeten, zu seinem Fahrzeug zu kommen.' (The owner of a blue VW Golf with license plate... is requested to come to their vehicle).

Public Spaces: Signs on private property often say: 'Privatgrundstück. Zutritt nur für Eigentümer und Mieter' (Private property. Access only for owners and tenants).

Bitte wenden Sie sich bei Fragen direkt an den Eigentümer.

In the legal world, specifically in the Grundbuch (land registry), the name of the 'Eigentümer' is recorded. If you are buying property in Germany, you will spend a lot of time with a Notar (notary) discussing the transfer of ownership from the old 'Eigentümer' to the new one. This process is very formal and highlights the weight the word carries in German society.

The most frequent and significant mistake learners (and even native speakers) make is confusing Eigentümer with Besitzer. In English, both can often be translated as 'owner', but in German, they represent two distinct legal concepts. An Eigentümer has the legal title, while a Besitzer has actual physical control over the thing. If you rent an apartment, you are the Besitzer (you live there, you have the keys), but the landlord is the Eigentümer.

The Tenant Example: If a thief steals your bike, the thief is the (unlawful) Besitzer, but you are still the Eigentümer. You have the right to get it back because of your ownership.

Falsch: Ich bin der Eigentümer dieser Mietwohnung. (Unless you actually bought it). Richtig: Ich bin der Mieter/Besitzer.

Another mistake is using Eigentümer for things that are better described by Inhaber. For example, a ticket holder is a Ticketinhaber, not an 'Eigentümer' of the ticket in a practical sense. Similarly, the head of a small business is usually called the Inhaber. Using 'Eigentümer' in these cases sounds overly formal or slightly off-target.

Grammar Pitfall: Genitive -s: Because 'Eigentümer' ends in '-er', many learners forget to add the '-s' in the genitive singular: 'des Eigentümers'. They might say 'des Eigentümer', which is incorrect.

Fehler: Das Auto des Eigentümer. Korrekt: Das Auto des Eigentümers.

Finally, be careful with the feminine form. If you are clearly talking about a woman, use Eigentümerin. Using the masculine form as a generic 'person' is common, but in specific references, the feminine is required for precision and politeness.

German has several words for 'owner' or 'possessor', each with a specific nuance. Choosing the right one depends on the legal status and the nature of the object being owned. While Eigentümer is the most formal and legally precise term for ownership of physical things, other terms are better suited for different contexts.

Eigentümer vs. Besitzer: Eigentümer: Legal owner (title holder).
Besitzer: Person who has the item in their hands/control (e.g., a tenant or a borrower).

Der Eigentümer vermietet das Haus an den Besitzer (Mieter).

For businesses and shops, the word der Inhaber is preferred. It implies that the person not only owns the business but also manages or represents it. You would see 'Inhaber: Hans Müller' on a business card or a shop window. For cars, the term der Halter is used in administrative contexts (the person who pays the insurance and taxes), though they are usually also the owner.

Other Alternatives

Hausherr: Master of the house (more traditional/social).
Vermieter: Landlord (specifically the one who rents it out).
Rechtsträger: Legal entity/holder of rights (very formal/jargon).

Als Inhaber der Firma trägt er die volle Verantwortung.

In more abstract contexts, like having an idea or a patent, you might hear Urheber (author/creator) or Patentinhaber. If you are talking about someone who 'possesses' a quality, you use the verb besitzen or the noun Besitzer, never 'Eigentümer'. You can be a Besitzer von großem Talent, but not an 'Eigentümer' of it.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The word 'eigentlich' (actually) comes from the same root, originally meaning 'pertaining to the owner' or 'essential/true'.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈaɪ̯ɡn̩ˌtyːmɐ/

US /ˈaɪɡəntymər/

Stress is on the first syllable: EI-gen-tü-mer.

Rime avec

Eigentümer (self-rhyme) Berühmer (rare) Parfümer (rare) Kostümer (rare) Trümer (dialectal/rhyme-adjacent) Stürmer (slant rhyme) Türmer (slant rhyme) Krümel (not a rhyme, but similar)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'Ei' as 'Ay' (like 'play'). It should be 'Eye'.
Pronouncing 'ü' as 'u'. 'ü' is a distinct sound made with rounded lips.
Failing to vocalize the final 'er' (it shouldn't be a hard 'r').
Stress on the second syllable.
Confusing the 'g' sound with a 'j' sound.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Easy to recognize, but requires understanding of legal context in higher levels.

Écriture 4/5

Requires correct genitive and dative plural endings.

Expression orale 3/5

The 'ü' sound can be tricky for English speakers.

Écoute 2/5

Distinctive sound, usually easy to hear in context.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

eigen gehören das Haus der Mensch haben

Apprends ensuite

der Besitzer das Eigentum das Recht der Vertrag die Immobilie

Avancé

die Auflassungsvormerkung das Grundbuch die Enteignung der Nießbrauch das Vorkaufsrecht

Grammaire à connaître

Nouns ending in -er (Masculine)

Der Eigentümer (singular) -> Die Eigentümer (plural).

Genitive Singular Masculine (-s)

Des Eigentümers.

Dative Plural (-n)

Den Eigentümern.

Feminine Suffix -in

Die Eigentümerin.

Compound Noun Formation

Wohnung + Eigentümer = Wohnungseigentümer.

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Exemples par niveau

Der Eigentümer von diesem Auto ist nett.

The owner of this car is nice.

Nominative masculine subject.

Wer ist der Eigentümer der Tasche?

Who is the owner of the bag?

Question with nominative subject.

Die Eigentümerin wohnt in Berlin.

The (female) owner lives in Berlin.

Feminine form 'Eigentümerin'.

Das ist der Eigentümer vom Haus.

That is the owner of the house.

Using 'von' + dative instead of genitive (common in A1).

Die Eigentümer sind heute nicht da.

The owners are not here today.

Plural nominative.

Ich bin nicht der Eigentümer.

I am not the owner.

Negation with 'nicht'.

Wo ist der Eigentümer?

Where is the owner?

Simple question.

Der Hund gehört dem Eigentümer.

The dog belongs to the owner.

Dative case after 'gehören'.

Der neue Eigentümer renoviert die Wohnung.

The new owner is renovating the apartment.

Adjective 'neu' in nominative masculine.

Wir suchen den Eigentümer des Hundes.

We are looking for the owner of the dog.

Accusative object + Genitive attribute.

Die Eigentümerin hat den Schlüssel verloren.

The owner (f) has lost the key.

Perfect tense.

Sind Sie der Eigentümer dieses Grundstücks?

Are you the owner of this plot of land?

Genitive 'dieses Grundstücks'.

Die Eigentümer treffen sich im Garten.

The owners are meeting in the garden.

Plural subject.

Ich muss den Eigentümer fragen.

I must ask the owner.

Modal verb + Accusative.

Der Eigentümer hat das Auto verkauft.

The owner sold the car.

Perfect tense.

Das ist ein Brief für den Eigentümer.

This is a letter for the owner.

Preposition 'für' + Accusative.

Der Mieter ist der Besitzer, aber nicht der Eigentümer.

The tenant is the possessor, but not the owner.

Contrast between 'Besitzer' and 'Eigentümer'.

Die Eigentümerversammlung findet einmal im Jahr statt.

The owners' meeting takes place once a year.

Compound noun 'Eigentümerversammlung'.

Ohne die Erlaubnis des Eigentümers darf man nichts ändern.

Without the owner's permission, one is not allowed to change anything.

Genitive 'des Eigentümers'.

Der rechtmäßige Eigentümer hat sich gemeldet.

The rightful owner has come forward.

Adjective 'rechtmäßig'.

Die Eigentümerstruktur der Firma ist sehr komplex.

The ownership structure of the company is very complex.

Compound noun.

Man sollte den Eigentümer über den Schaden informieren.

One should inform the owner about the damage.

Passive-like 'man' + modal + accusative.

Der Eigentümer haftet für Unfälle auf seinem Grund.

The owner is liable for accidents on his property.

Verb 'haften für'.

Alle Eigentümer müssen dem Plan zustimmen.

All owners must agree to the plan.

Plural + dative 'dem Plan' after 'zustimmen'.

Eigentum verpflichtet laut Grundgesetz.

Ownership entails obligations according to the Basic Law.

Noun 'Eigentum' related to 'Eigentümer'.

Der Eigentumsübergang erfolgt erst nach der Zahlung.

The transfer of ownership only occurs after payment.

Formal noun 'Eigentumsübergang'.

Die Eigentümerin wurde gerichtlich zur Instandsetzung gezwungen.

The owner (f) was legally forced to carry out repairs.

Passive voice.

Es gab Streitigkeiten zwischen den Miteigentümern.

There were disputes between the co-owners.

Prefix 'Mit-' (co-).

Der Verkäufer bleibt bis zur vollständigen Bezahlung Eigentümer.

The seller remains the owner until full payment.

Predicate nominative.

Die Identität des Eigentümers konnte nicht festgestellt werden.

The identity of the owner could not be established.

Genitive attribute.

Der Eigentümer hat das Vorkaufsrecht der Stadt ignoriert.

The owner ignored the city's right of first refusal.

Compound noun 'Vorkaufsrecht'.

Die Eigentümergemeinschaft beschloss eine Mieterhöhung.

The community of owners decided on a rent increase.

Compound noun.

Das Eigentümer-Besitzer-Verhältnis ist im BGB detailliert geregelt.

The owner-possessor relationship is regulated in detail in the BGB.

Technical legal term.

Der mittelbare Besitzer ist nicht zwingend der Eigentümer.

The indirect possessor is not necessarily the owner.

Legal nuance.

Die Klage des Eigentümers auf Herausgabe der Sache war erfolgreich.

The owner's lawsuit for the return of the item was successful.

Genitive + prepositional phrase.

Der wirtschaftliche Eigentümer weicht oft vom juristischen ab.

The beneficial owner often differs from the legal one.

Financial/Legal distinction.

Eine Enteignung des Eigentümers ist nur zum Wohle der Allgemeinheit zulässig.

Expropriation of the owner is only permissible for the good of the public.

Noun 'Enteignung'.

Der gutgläubige Erwerb vom Nichtberechtigten schützt den neuen Eigentümer.

Good faith acquisition from a non-entitled person protects the new owner.

Complex legal concept.

Die Eigentümerrechte werden durch das Grundgesetz geschützt.

Owner rights are protected by the Basic Law.

Compound noun.

Der Eigentümer kann die Nutzung seiner Sache durch Dritte untersagen.

The owner can prohibit the use of his property by third parties.

Infinitive construction.

Das Abstraktionsprinzip trennt das Kausalgeschäft vom Eigentumsübergang.

The principle of abstraction separates the causal transaction from the transfer of ownership.

High-level legal theory.

Der Eigentümervorbehalt dient der Absicherung des Verkäufers.

The retention of title serves to secure the seller.

Legal term 'Eigentümervorbehalt'.

Die sachenrechtliche Position des Eigentümers ist absolut.

The property law position of the owner is absolute.

Academic adjective 'sachenrechtlich'.

In der Insolvenz des Eigentümers gelten besondere Aussonderungsrechte.

In the owner's insolvency, special rights of segregation apply.

Insolvency law terminology.

Die Fiktion des Eigentümers im Grundbuch schafft Rechtssicherheit.

The fiction of the owner in the land registry creates legal certainty.

Legal philosophy.

Eigentümerlose Sachen können durch Okkupation erworben werden.

Ownerless things can be acquired through occupation.

Technical term 'Okkupation'.

Die Vindikationslage setzt einen nichtberechtigten Besitzer voraus.

The situation of vindication presupposes a non-entitled possessor.

Advanced legal jargon.

Der Eigentümer haftet verschuldensunabhängig für bestimmte Gefahrenquellen.

The owner is liable regardless of fault for certain sources of danger.

Strict liability terminology.

Collocations courantes

rechtmäßiger Eigentümer

neuer Eigentümer

unbekannter Eigentümer

privater Eigentümer

früherer Eigentümer

Eigentümer werden

Eigentümer bleiben

Zustimmung des Eigentümers

Rechte des Eigentümers

Eigentümer ermitteln

Phrases Courantes

Eigentum verpflichtet

— Ownership entails obligations. This is a famous legal and social principle in Germany.

In Deutschland gilt der Grundsatz: Eigentum verpflichtet.

Eigentümer der Wohnung

— The owner of the flat. Used frequently in rental contexts.

Ich muss den Eigentümer der Wohnung anrufen.

Eigentümer von Grund und Boden

— Owner of land and soil. A formal way to say landowner.

Er ist ein großer Eigentümer von Grund und Boden.

den Eigentümer wechseln

— To change owners. Used when something is sold.

Das Haus hat letzte Woche den Eigentümer gewechselt.

im Namen des Eigentümers

— In the name of the owner. Used by agents or managers.

Ich handele im Namen des Eigentümers.

Eigentümer gesucht

— Owner wanted/sought. Common in classified ads or for lost items.

Eigentümer eines schwarzen Koffers gesucht.

alleiniger Eigentümer

— Sole owner. No co-owners exist.

Sie ist die alleinige Eigentümerin der Firma.

Eigentümer und Besitzer

— Owner and possessor. Used to contrast the two roles.

Oft sind Eigentümer und Besitzer nicht dieselbe Person.

Eigentümer des Fahrzeugs

— Owner of the vehicle. Formal term for car owner.

Der Eigentümer des Fahrzeugs wurde benachrichtigt.

Eigentümer werden durch Einigung und Übergabe

— Becoming an owner through agreement and delivery. A legal mantra in Germany.

Man wird Eigentümer durch Einigung und Übergabe der Sache.

Souvent confondu avec

der Eigentümer vs Besitzer

The most common confusion. Eigentümer is legal owner, Besitzer is physical possessor.

der Eigentümer vs Inhaber

Inhaber is for shops, businesses, or tickets; Eigentümer is for property and assets.

der Eigentümer vs Halter

Halter is the person who registers/maintains a vehicle, usually but not always the Eigentümer.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Sein eigener Herr sein"

— To be one's own master/boss. Related to owning one's life or business.

Als Eigentümer der Firma ist er sein eigener Herr.

Neutral

"Auf eigenem Grund und Boden"

— On one's own land. Emphasizes the security of ownership.

Hier kann ich tun, was ich will, ich bin auf eigenem Grund und Boden.

Neutral

"Eigentum ist Diebstahl"

— Property is theft. A political slogan (Proudhon) often quoted in German.

Manche Philosophen behaupten: Eigentum ist Diebstahl.

Literary/Political

"Wes Brot ich ess, des Lied ich sing"

— Whose bread I eat, his song I sing. Implies loyalty to the 'owner' or provider.

Er widerspricht dem Eigentümer nie – wes Brot ich ess, des Lied ich sing.

Proverbial

"Alles unter einem Dach"

— Everything under one roof. Often used when one owner has many businesses.

Der Eigentümer hat alle seine Firmen unter einem Dach.

Colloquial

"Den Rahm abschöpfen"

— To skim off the cream. What an owner might do with profits.

Der Eigentümer schöpft den Rahm ab, während die Arbeiter wenig verdienen.

Colloquial

"Jemandem das Wasser abgraben"

— To dig the water away from someone. Often used in disputes between land owners.

Der benachbarte Eigentümer gräbt uns das Wasser ab.

Idiomatic

"In festen Händen sein"

— To be in firm hands. Used when a property has a stable owner.

Die Immobilie ist seit Jahrzehnten in festen Händen.

Neutral

"Haus und Hof verlieren"

— To lose house and farm. To lose all one's property.

Durch die Krise hat der Eigentümer Haus und Hof verloren.

Emphatic

"Etwas sein Eigen nennen"

— To call something one's own. A poetic way of saying one owns something.

Er kann nun ein kleines Haus sein Eigen nennen.

Elevated

Facile à confondre

der Eigentümer vs Besitzer

Both translate to 'owner' in English.

Eigentümer has the legal title (right). Besitzer has the actual control (possession). A tenant is a Besitzer, but not the Eigentümer.

Der Mieter ist Besitzer der Wohnung, der Vermieter ist der Eigentümer.

der Eigentümer vs Inhaber

Both imply having something.

Inhaber is used for businesses (Inhaber eines Ladens) or documents (Passinhaber). Eigentümer is for physical property.

Der Inhaber der Bäckerei ist auch der Eigentümer des Gebäudes.

der Eigentümer vs Halter

Used for cars.

The Halter is the one responsible for the car's operation (insurance, taxes). The Eigentümer is the one who legally owns the asset.

Mein Vater ist der Halter, aber ich bin der Eigentümer des Wagens.

der Eigentümer vs Vermieter

In rental contexts.

A Vermieter is the person you pay rent to. Usually they are the Eigentümer, but they could be a sub-lessor.

Der Vermieter ist oft, aber nicht immer, der Eigentümer.

der Eigentümer vs Eigner

Sounds similar.

Eigner is a more specialized, often nautical or old-fashioned term for an owner of a ship or large asset.

Der Eigner der Jacht feiert eine Party.

Structures de phrases

Das ist der Eigentümer von [Dativ].

Das ist der Eigentümer von dem Hund.

Ich bin der Eigentümer des [Genitiv].

Ich bin der Eigentümer des Autos.

Der Eigentümer hat das Recht, [Infinitiv].

Der Eigentümer hat das Recht, das Haus zu verkaufen.

Trotz des Eigentümerwechsels bleibt [Subjekt]...

Trotz des Eigentümerwechsels bleibt der Mietvertrag gültig.

In seiner Eigenschaft als Eigentümer...

In seiner Eigenschaft als Eigentümer kann er die Nutzung untersagen.

Dem Eigentümer steht ein Anspruch auf [Akkusativ] zu.

Dem Eigentümer steht ein Anspruch auf Herausgabe zu.

Wer ist der rechtmäßige Eigentümer?

Wer ist der rechtmäßige Eigentümer dieser Uhr?

Die Eigentümer treffen sich.

Die Eigentümer treffen sich morgen um acht.

Famille de mots

Noms

das Eigentum (property/ownership)

die Eigentümerin (female owner)

die Eigentumswohnung (condominium)

die Eigentümerversammlung (owners' meeting)

der Miteigentümer (co-owner)

Verbes

eignen (to suit/be suitable)

aneignen (to acquire/appropriate)

besitzen (to possess - related concept)

gehören (to belong to)

Adjectifs

eigen (own)

eigentümlich (peculiar/strange - note the shift in meaning)

eigenständig (independent)

eigensinnig (stubborn)

Apparenté

das Eigenheim (one's own home)

die Eigenart (peculiarity)

der Eigenbedarf (owner's own need/use)

die Eigenleistung (one's own contribution)

die Eigenmacht (arbitrary action)

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

High in legal, real estate, and news contexts. Moderate in daily life.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'Besitzer' for a landlord. → Der Vermieter ist der Eigentümer.
The landlord owns the property (Eigentümer), the tenant possesses it (Besitzer).
Saying 'des Eigentümer' in the genitive. → des Eigentümers.
Masculine nouns ending in -er take an -s in the genitive singular.
Using 'Eigentümer' for a shop owner. → Der Inhaber des Ladens.
'Inhaber' is the standard term for the proprietor of a business.
Forgetting the -n in dative plural. → den Eigentümern.
The plural 'Eigentümer' must add an -n when in the dative case.
Pronouncing 'Ei' as 'ay'. → Pronounce it like 'eye'.
The diphthong 'ei' in German is always 'eye', never 'ay'.

Astuces

Genitive Mastery

Always use the genitive with 'Eigentümer' in formal writing. 'Die Zustimmung des Eigentümers' sounds much better than 'die Zustimmung von dem Eigentümer'.

Apartment Living

If you buy an apartment in Germany, you become a 'Wohnungseigentümer'. You'll have to deal with the 'Hausverwaltung' (property management) and attend 'Eigentümerversammlungen'.

The Key Difference

Memorize the pair 'Eigentümer (Title) vs. Besitzer (Keys)'. This distinction is a cornerstone of German legal thought and will help you in many B1/B2 exams.

Business Owners

If you are introducing yourself as a business owner, say 'Ich bin der Inhaber'. It sounds more active and managerial than 'Eigentümer'.

The Long Ü

Don't rush the 'ü' in 'Eigentümer'. It's a long vowel. If you pronounce it like a short 'u', it might be harder to understand.

Grundbuch

The 'Grundbuch' (land registry) is the ultimate proof of who the 'Eigentümer' is. In Germany, you aren't truly the owner of land until you are registered there.

Compound Power

You can attach 'Eigentümer' to almost any asset: 'Autoeigentümer', 'Waldeigentümer', 'Schiffseigentümer'. German loves these compounds!

Public Announcements

In train stations or malls, listen for 'Der Eigentümer von...'. It's a very common way to start a lost-and-found announcement.

Gender Neutrality

In official emails to a group of owners, use 'Sehr geehrte Eigentümerinnen und Eigentümer' to be inclusive and formal.

Ei-Gen-Tümer

Think of 'Eigen' (Own) + 'Tümer' (State-agent). The person in the state of owning.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Imagine an 'Eye' (Ei) looking at a 'Gent' (gen) who has a 'Tumor' (tümer) - okay, maybe too dark. Try: An EYE looks at a GENTle owner holding a TICKET (tümer).

Association visuelle

Visualize a golden key lying on a legal document (the Grundbuch) with the word 'Eigentümer' written in bold at the top.

Word Web

Eigentum Besitz Haus Recht Geld Inhaber Vermieter Grundbuch

Défi

Write three sentences: one about being the owner of a house, one about an owner of a dog, and one using the feminine form 'Eigentümerin'.

Origine du mot

Derived from the Middle High German word 'eigen' (own) and the suffix '-tum' (state/condition), with the agent suffix '-er'.

Sens originel : A person who is in the state of having something as their own.

Germanic (Indo-European). Cognate with English 'own' and 'owner'.

Contexte culturel

No specific sensitivities, but avoid assuming the 'Eigentümer' is always male (use gender-neutral language in formal contexts).

English speakers often use 'owner' for everything. In German, you must be more precise. Using 'Eigentümer' for a shop owner sounds too legalistic; use 'Inhaber'.

Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) § 903 Grundgesetz (GG) Artikel 14 The board game 'Monopoly' (called 'Eigentümer' of streets)

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Real Estate

Eigentumswohnung kaufen
Eigentümerversammlung einberufen
Haus des Eigentümers
Eigentümerwechsel im Grundbuch

Lost and Found

Eigentümer gesucht
dem Eigentümer zurückgeben
Eigentumsnachweis erbringen
unbekannter Eigentümer

Business

Eigentümerstruktur analysieren
neue Eigentümer suchen
Eigentümerinteressen vertreten
Mehrheitseigentümer sein

Legal/Court

Klage des Eigentümers
Rechte des Eigentümers
Eigentümer-Besitzer-Verhältnis
Herausgabeanspruch des Eigentümers

Automotive

Eigentümer des Fahrzeugs
Fahrzeughalter vs. Eigentümer
Eigentumsvorbehalt beim Autokauf
Brief an den Eigentümer

Amorces de conversation

"Wussten Sie, dass der Eigentümer dieses Gebäudes ein berühmter Schauspieler ist?"

"Sind Sie der Eigentümer oder wohnen Sie hier zur Miete?"

"Wie kann man den Eigentümer dieses herrenlosen Hundes finden?"

"Haben die Eigentümer der Firma schon über die neuen Pläne gesprochen?"

"Was würden Sie tun, wenn Sie der Eigentümer einer einsamen Insel wären?"

Sujets d'écriture

Beschreiben Sie die Verantwortungen, die ein Eigentümer eines großen Hauses hat.

Ist es in Ihrem Land wichtig, Eigentümer einer Wohnung zu sein oder ist Mieten besser?

Stellen Sie sich vor, Sie sind der Eigentümer eines erfolgreichen Start-ups. Wie sieht Ihr Alltag aus?

Diskutieren Sie den Satz: 'Eigentum verpflichtet'. Was bedeutet das für Sie persönlich?

Schreiben Sie über eine Situation, in der Sie etwas gefunden haben und den Eigentümer suchen mussten.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

This is a fundamental legal distinction in Germany. The 'Eigentümer' has the legal right (title) to the object, whereas the 'Besitzer' has the actual physical control. For example, if you rent a bike, you are the 'Besitzer' because you are riding it, but the rental company is the 'Eigentümer'. If someone steals your phone, they are the 'Besitzer' (illegally), but you remain the 'Eigentümer'.

No, it is a masculine noun ('der Eigentümer'), but it has a feminine form: 'die Eigentümerin'. In the plural, it is 'die Eigentümer' (masculine or mixed groups) and 'die Eigentümerinnen' (only women). In modern writing, you might see gender-neutral forms like 'Eigentümer:innen'.

Use 'Inhaber' for business contexts, such as a shop owner ('Inhaber eines Ladens'), a company proprietor, or a holder of a ticket or passport ('Passinhaber'). Use 'Eigentümer' for physical property like houses, cars, or land.

Since it is a masculine noun ending in '-er', you add an '-s' in the genitive singular: 'des Eigentümers'. In the plural genitive, it remains 'der Eigentümer'.

Yes, although in German law animals are not 'things', the rules for things apply to them. You would say 'der Eigentümer des Hundes' (the owner of the dog). Colloquially, people also say 'der Besitzer', but 'Eigentümer' is correct for legal registration.

It translates to 'Ownership entails obligations'. It is a key principle in the German constitution (Article 14), meaning that owning property isn't just a right, but should also serve the public good (e.g., maintaining a building so it isn't a danger to others).

You use the prefix 'Mit-', resulting in 'der Miteigentümer'. If there are multiple owners of an apartment building, they are called the 'Eigentümergemeinschaft'.

Mostly, yes, but 'Eigner' is rarer and typically used for ships ('Schiffseigner') or in more poetic/old-fashioned language. 'Eigentümer' is the standard modern and legal term.

It literally means 'change of owner'. It is the term used in business and real estate when a property or company is sold to a new person or entity.

Yes, like most German plurals, it adds an '-n' in the dative case: 'den Eigentümern'. For example: 'Das Haus gehört den Eigentümern'.

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