Besitzer

Besitzer is a German noun meaning a person who possesses something or who holds something in their physical control. The term is derived from the verb besitzen (to possess) and is used for people who have possession of property, animals, or rights, regardless of ownership. In everyday language a Besitzer is the holder of something at a given moment, such as der Besitzer eines Autos or der Tierbesitzer.

In German property law, Besitz (possession) is distinct from Eigentum (ownership). The Eigentümer is the owner with legal title, while the Besitzer may or may not be the owner. Possession can be transferred without transferring ownership, for example by lending or renting. Conversely, someone who has possession may be obliged to surrender the item upon the owner's demand. The law recognizes protection of possession (Besitzschutz) to prevent unlawful interference, and provides remedies if possession is disrupted.

Besitzer can appear in various contexts including everyday speech, rental agreements, and legal discussions. It also exists as a surname in German-speaking regions. The feminine form is Besitzerin; the plural is die Besitzer for mixed or male groups, and die Besitzerinnen for all-female groups.

Related concepts include Besitz, Eigentum, Eigentümer, and Mietrecht.