noun

die Besetzung, -en

cast · casting

Eine Gruppe von Menschen, die bei einem Stück, Film oder einer Arbeit eine bestimmte Rolle oder Aufgabe hat.

Definition & meaning

The German noun Besetzung has several distinct meanings depending on the context:

Performing Arts (Theater & Film): It refers to the "cast" – the group of actors assigned to specific roles in a play, movie, or opera. It can also describe the process of casting those roles.
Military & Politics: It refers to "occupation." This is the act of a military force taking control of a foreign territory or the state of being occupied by such a force.
Music: It refers to "instrumentation" or "scoring." This describes the specific combination of instruments or voices required to perform a musical piece.
Employment & Human Resources: It refers to the "filling" of a vacancy. It is the process of appointing a person to a specific job or position within an organization.

Grammar & Word origin

Besetzung is a feminine noun (die Besetzung). Its plural form is die Besetzungen.

The word is derived from the verb besetzen, which literally means "to set upon" or "to occupy." It is composed of the prefix be-, which often indicates a direct effect on an object, and the verb setzen, meaning "to set" or "to place." The suffix -ung is used in German to turn a verb into a noun representing a process or a result.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms

In the context of film or theater: Cast or Rollenbesetzung.
In the context of military occupation: Okkupation or Einnahme.
In the context of music: Instrumentation or Arrangement.
In the context of employment: Stellenbesetzung or Personalplanung.

Antonyms

In the context of military occupation: Befreiung (liberation) or Abzug (withdrawal).
In the context of employment: Vakanz (vacancy) or Kündigung (termination/resignation).