enteignen
expropriate
The German word "enteignen" is a verb that means "to expropriate" or "to confiscate". It is composed of the prefix "ent-" (which can imply removal or reversal) and "eignen" (which means "to own" or "to possess"). Thus, "enteignen" refers to the act of taking possession of property from its owner, often for public use or policy reasons.
Similar words in German include "beschlagnahmen" (to seize) and "abnehmen" (to take away), but there are distinctions:
- "Enteignen" specifically refers to legal expropriation, usually with compensation involved, often for governmental purposes.
- "Beschlagnahmen" normally refers to the seizure of property without it being legal ownership being transferred, often for law enforcement.
- "Abnehmen" is more general and may not involve legal context, simply meaning "to take away".
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Examples
Die Regierung will das Grundstück enteignen.verb
The government wants to expropriate the property.
Die Regierung kann Grundstücke enteignen.verb
The government can expropriate land.
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