Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| unbewegliche Sache | feminine | |
| Immobilie | /ɪmoˈbiːli̯ə/ | feminine |
The term for real estate describes property that cannot easily be moved. While unbewegliche Sache describes the concept, Immobilie is the standard noun used when referring to actual real estate assets or properties. In formal settings, the plural form Immobilien is the most commonly used term for real estate.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase unbewegliche Sache literally translates to immovable thing.
Which one should you use?
unbewegliche Sache is a descriptive term for the concept of real estate, whereas Immobilie is the standard noun used to refer to actual real estate assets or properties.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In German-speaking Switzerland, the term Liegenschaften is commonly used to refer to real estate or properties.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Immobilie is Immobilien. This plural is frequently used in compound nouns, such as Immobilienmakler, which means real estate agent.
Did you know?
- The word Sache in unbewegliche Sache is an ancient relative of the English word 'sake', as used in the phrase 'for the sake of'.
- In German law, an unbewegliche Sache is not just land or a building, but also includes certain legal rights like easements.
- The word Immobilie is a direct loan from the Latin 'immobilis', which is also the source of the English word 'immobile'.
Examples in context
- Tom wollte Immobilienmakler werden.Tom wanted to be a real estate agent.This sentence shows someone wanting to become a real estate agent using Immobilie.Tatoeba #13565430 by Waldelfe, translation #8543695 by CK
- Ich habe einen Freund, der Immobilienmakler ist.I have a friend in real estate.This sentence describes a friend who works in real estate using Immobilie.Tatoeba #11806782 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3723498 by CM
- Anwälte und Immobilienmakler sind reich oder unausstehlich.Lawyers and real estate agents are rich or obnoxious.This sentence mentions real estate agents using Immobilie.Tatoeba #4033464 by Dani6187, translation #1686082 by gleki
- Meine Familie besitzt mehrere Grundstücke auf dem Land.My family owns several plots of land in the countryside.
- Ich suche eine Wohnung in der Innenstadt.I'm looking for an apartment in the city center.
- In Zürich sind die Liegenschaften sehr teuer.In Zurich, the real estate properties are very expensive.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Julia are discussing a legal definition of property.
- FelixIst ein Haus eine unbewegliche Sache?Is a house an immovable object?
- JuliaJa, das ist rechtlich eine unbewegliche Sache.Yes, legally that is real estate.
- FelixUnd wie ist das mit einem Mobilheim?And what about a mobile home?
- JuliaDas ist dann keine unbewegliche Sache mehr.Then that is no longer real estate.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “real estate” translations and entries Immobilie, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Sache, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
