belegt

Belegt is a German adjective and the past participle of the verb belegen. It has several related meanings, depending on context: it can describe a physical status, a culinary preparation, or evidentiary support. As a general rule, belegt indicates that something has been laid down, covered, or supported in some way.

Etymology and form: Belegen is formed from the prefix be- and the verb legen, meaning to lay or place. The participle belegt conveys that something has been laid down or provided, and it pode contextually shift to “covered,” “occupied,” or “substantiated.”

Meanings and usage:

- Occupied or taken: belegt describes a space or seat that is already in use. Example: Der Platz ist belegt.

- Covered or topped: belegt describes food or surfaces that have a topping or layer. Example: Das Brot ist mit Käse belegt.

- Substantiated or evidenced: belegt expresses that a claim or statement is supported by evidence or sources. Example: Die Behauptung ist gut belegt, und die Belege liefern Beweise. In this sense, the related noun Belege means pieces of evidence or receipts, and Belegung refers to occupancy or assignment.

Notes on usage:

- Belegt is typically used as an adjective or past participle, often matching the noun it modifies in gender, number, and case.

- In culinary contexts, phrases like “mit … belegt” are common to describe toppings.

- In argumentation or research, belegt signals that assertions are backed by Belege or credible Quellen; phrases such as “gut belegt” or “belegt durch Belege” are common.

See also: Beleg (evidence or receipt), Belege (plural), Belegung (occupancy or allocation), belegen (to prove, to document).