hinterlegt

Hinterlegt is the past participle of the German verb hinterlegen. In general usage, hinterlegen means to deposit something with a person or institution for safekeeping, to lodge, or to place in custody. The term can refer to physical objects, documents, or financial assets. It conveys that the item has been entrusted to a third party rather than kept by the owner.

Etymology and meaning: The word is formed from hinter- (behind, in the care of) and legen (to lay or place). The combination implies placing something with another party for safekeeping, often with a formal or legal component. Hinterlegt describes a state in which a deposit or custody arrangement has already been established.

Usage and contexts: In everyday language, one might speak of documents or certificates that are "bei der Behörde hinterlegt" or "beim Notar hinterlegt." In financial and legal contexts, hinterlegung refers to depositing assets with a custodian, bank, or Treuhand entity, or to providing collateral. Common phrases include "Sicherheiten hinterlegen" (to deposit collateral), "Wertpapiere hinterlegen" (to deposit securities), and "Kaution hinterlegen" (to lodge a security deposit). The term is frequently found in contracts, estate matters, and notarial records, signaling that an item or asset is stored with a trusted intermediary for safekeeping or for formal purposes.

See also: Hinterlegung, Depot, Treuhand, Aufbewahrung, Kaution. These terms cover related concepts of safekeeping, custody arrangements, and collateral in German-speaking contexts.