besetzt

Definition & meaning

The German word besetzt is a past participle used as an adjective with several distinct meanings depending on the context:

1. Occupied/Taken: Used when a place or seat is already being used by someone else. For example, if you are looking for a seat on a train or in a restaurant, a seat that is not free is besetzt. It is also used to indicate that a telephone line is busy.
2. Staffed/Filled: Used to describe a position or a job role that has been filled by a person.
3. Loaded/Equipped: In technical or specialized contexts, it can describe something that is provided with certain features or components.

Grammar & Word origin

• Grammar: It is the past participle of the verb besetzen ?. As an adjective, it follows standard German declension rules (e.g., ein besetzter Platz, die besetzte Leitung).
• Word origin: It is derived from the prefix be- (implying a comprehensive or transitive action) and the verb setzen (to set or to place). Etymologically, it suggests something that has been "set upon" or "taken up."

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

• belegt ? (occupied, booked)
• vergeben ? (taken, assigned)
• ausgebucht ? (fully booked)

Antonyms:

• frei ? (free, vacant)
• unbesetzt ? (unoccupied, vacant)
• leer ? (empty)