"Besitzer" vs "Eigentümer" and their English translations

[Melli]

Can you please describe to me the difference between the words proprietor and owner?
In German there are 2 different words and they have a specific meaning.
There is the word "Besitzer" and "Eigentümer".

Many thanks!

[Alan]

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Hi Melli,

'Owner' suggests that something belongs to you like 'car owner' house owner' and is used in a general sense. 'Proprietor' is not only the owner but also the person who runs the business/organisation/firm. Outside a shop for example you often see the abbreviation 'Prop' followed by someone's name and that indicates the name of the person who owns the shop and also is responsible for running it.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
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[Melli]

Hi Alan,

thank you for your quick answer! It helps me very much!

Melli