besetzen
occupy
Etwas in Anspruch nehmen oder einen Platz, Raum oder eine Stelle einnehmen, sodass andere es nicht nutzen können.
The German word "besetzen" is a verb composed of the prefix "be-" and the verb "setzen" which means to set or to place.
Meaning:
"Besetzen" means to occupy, to staff or to take possession of something. It can refer to filling a position (e.g., a job), occupying a seat, or physically taking control of a place.
Similar words:
- einnehmen (to take, occupy)
- belegen (to occupy, reserve a place)
- bevölkern (to populate)
Difference:
- Besetzen emphasizes actively placing someone/something in/from the perspective of controlling or staffing,
- Einnehmen often focuses on the act of taking or capturing,
- Belegen is often used for reserving or occupying space temporarily,
- Bevölkern refers more broadly to populating or inhabiting an area.
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Examples
Die Soldaten besetzen das Gebäude.verb
The soldiers are occupying the building.
Wir müssen die Plätze rechtzeitig besetzen.verb
We must occupy the seats on time.
Einige Plätze sind bereits besetzt.verb
Some seats are already occupied.
Dieses Unternehmen will mehrere Stellen besetzen.verb
This company wants to fill several positions.
Mehrere Mitarbeiter besetzen unterschiedliche Positionen im Unternehmen.verb
Several employees occupy different positions in the company.
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