Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| besetzt | [bəˈzɛtst] (narrow) |
| belegt | /bəˈleːkt/ (Germany) /beˈleːkt/ |
Both words describe something that is not available because it is being used, but they apply to different contexts. besetzt is a general term for physical spaces being filled, such as a seat or for the status of a telephone line or a toilet stall. It is also the formal term used to describe territory that has been occupied by military forces. belegt is more specific and is typically used for reserved slots, such as a seat in a classroom or a specific telephone line.
Which one should you use?
While both terms mean occupied, belegt is often used for specific slots like a seat in a class or a telephone line, whereas besetzt is more general for physical spaces or status.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
besetzt functions both as a standalone adjective and as the past participle of the verb besetzen (to occupy).
When do people say it?
In a common informal context, if you want to say someone is currently busy, you might use the phrase grad beschäftigt.
Did you know?
- The word belegt is also used in gastronomy to describe a 'topped' open-faced sandwich, known as a belegtes Brot.
- In German, the phrase besetzt sein can be used as a slang way to say that someone is in a romantic relationship and therefore 'off the market'.
- The word besetzt is also used in the theater and film world to describe the 'cast' of a play or movie, referring to the roles being filled.
Examples in context
- Alle Plätze sind besetzt.All the seats are occupied.This sentence demonstrates the use of besetzt to describe seats.Tatoeba #3333695 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #272101 by CK
- Die Parkbänke waren alle besetzt.The park benches were all occupied.This sentence uses besetzt to describe park benches being occupied.Tatoeba #3147373 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2811828 by xylian
- Die Soldaten besetzten das Gebäude.The soldiers occupied the building.This sentence shows besetzt used in the context of soldiers occupying a building.Tatoeba #766067 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #681606 by Source_VOA
- Entschuldigen Sie, die Leitung ist besetztExcuse me, the line is occupied
- Es ist besetztIt is occupied
- Ich bin grad beschäftigtI am currently occupied/busy
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Felix are looking for a place to sit in a crowded cafe.
- SarahIst dieser Stuhl besetzt?Is this chair occupied?
- FelixNein, er ist frei.No, it is free.
- SarahDanke, Felix.Thanks, Felix.
- FelixGerne, Sarah.You're welcome, Sarah.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “occupied” translations and entries besetzt, belegt, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
