halböffentlich

Halböffentlich is a German term that translates to "semi-public" or "partially public." It describes spaces, services, or organizations that are neither entirely private nor fully accessible to the general public. These entities often strike a balance between private ownership or control and a degree of public access or benefit.

Examples of semi-public spaces include certain courtyards within private buildings that are accessible to residents and their guests but not open to anyone off the street, or private parks that require a membership or admission fee but are still intended for recreational use by a wider group than just the owner's family. In the realm of services, a private club that allows guests of members to use its facilities or a private hospital that accepts public health insurance could be considered semi-public. Organizations that receive public funding but are privately managed, or those that operate with a public mandate but are not state-run, also fall under this category. The key characteristic is a shared or conditional access and a purpose that extends beyond purely private interests.