besetzen

occupy

verb be-ZET-sen Less Common

Also means

fill

Usage Note

besetzen covers occupying a seat or territory and filling a job vacancy (eine Stelle besetzen) or a film role (eine Rolle besetzen). The past participle besetzt on a phone or toilet means 'engaged' or 'taken'. It is inseparable thanks to the be- prefix.

Examples

"Die Demonstranten besetzen das Gebäude."

Natural Translation

The protesters are occupying the building.

Literal Translation

The protesters occupy the building.

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