das  BASIC

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈbeɪ̯zɪk/

🖥️ What Exactly is 'das BASIC'?

Das BASIC primarily refers to the programming language of the same name. BASIC stands for "Beginner’s All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code". It's an easy-to-learn, imperative programming language that was particularly widespread on home computers in the 1970s and 1980s.

It's important to note that 'basic' also exists as an adjective in German (basisch - meaning alkaline or fundamental), but this entry specifically deals with the noun das BASIC as the proper name of the programming language. ⚠️ There's little risk of confusion, as the context (computers, programming) is usually clear.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Declension of das BASIC

As a proper noun for a programming language, das BASIC is often treated as indeclinable or uses a genitive -s. The plural is uncommon because it's a specific name. If referring to different versions or dialects, one might use "die BASICs", but this is rather colloquial.

Singular

Plural - Rare/Colloquial

Example Sentences

• Mein erster Computer hatte das BASIC als Betriebssystem integriert. (My first computer had BASIC integrated as the operating system.)
• Wir lernten die Grundlagen des BASIC(s) in der Informatik-AG. (We learned the basics of BASIC in the computer club.)
• Mit dem BASIC konnte man einfache Programme schreiben. (With BASIC, you could write simple programs.)
• Ich erinnere mich noch gut an das BASIC auf dem C64. (I still remember BASIC on the C64 well.)

🚀 When to Use das BASIC?

The term das BASIC is used almost exclusively in the context of information technology and programming. Typical use cases include:

• Discussions about the history of computers and programming.
• Comparisons between different programming languages (e.g., BASIC vs. Pascal or C).
• Nostalgic conversations about old home computers (like the C64, ZX Spectrum, Apple II).
• In educational contexts when discussing the fundamentals of programming.

Compared to modern languages like Python or Java, BASIC is considered outdated today but holds historical significance as one of the first widely accessible and easy-to-learn languages for beginners.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic: Think of das Programm (the program), das System (the system). Many computer systems and programs in German are neuter (das), and so is das BASIC.

Meaning Mnemonic: The acronym itself helps! Beginner’s All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code – it's basic, fundamental for beginners.

↔️ Similarities and Opposites

Similar-sounding/confusing words:

• basisch (adjective): A chemical term (opposite of acidic) or meaning fundamental. Not related to the programming language.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum war der BASIC-Programmierer immer entspannt?
(Why was the BASIC programmer always relaxed?)
Weil er wusste: Für jedes Problem gibt es eine GOTO-Lösung... auch wenn sie selten die beste ist! 😉
(Because he knew: For every problem, there's a GOTO solution... even if it's rarely the best one!)

📜 A Rhyme About Code

Das BASIC, alt und doch bekannt,
(BASIC, old and yet well-known,)
Auf C64 lief's von Hand.
(On C64 it ran by hand.)
10 PRINT "Hallo Welt!"
20 GOTO 10, so hat's gefällt.
(20 GOTO 10, that's how it pleased.)
Ein Code für den Beginner schnell,
(A code for the beginner, quick and bright,)
Symbolisch, klar und universell.
(Symbolic, clear, and universally right.)

❓ Little Riddle

Ich bin ein Code, für Anfänger gemacht,
(I am a code, made for beginners,)
Habe vielen das Programmieren beigebracht.
(I taught many how to program.)
Mein Name ist ein Akronym, einfach und klar,
(My name is an acronym, simple and clear,)
Auf alten Rechnern war ich oft der Star.
(On old computers, I was often the star.)

Was bin ich? / What am I?
... Das BASIC

💡 Other Interesting Facts

Word Composition: BASIC is an acronym from English: Beginner’s All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code.

Trivia: Bill Gates and Paul Allen developed one of the first widespread versions of BASIC (Altair BASIC) for the Altair 8800, which laid the foundation for Microsoft.