das  Grundgesetz

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈɡʁʊntɡəˌzɛts/

📜 What exactly is das Grundgesetz?

Das Grundgesetz (GG) is the constitution of the Federal Republic of Germany. It was promulgated on May 23, 1949, and forms the legal and political foundation of the country. It defines the fundamental rights of citizens (die Grundrechte) as well as the organization and powers of state institutions.

Although originally intended as a provisional document until German reunification, it proved to be a stable constitution and became the constitution for all of Germany after 1990.

🚨 Important: It is always das Grundgesetz because Gesetz (law) is a neuter noun (das Gesetz).

🧐 Grammar Deep Dive: Declining das Grundgesetz

Das Grundgesetz is a neuter noun. It is typically used in the singular.

Note: The plural (die Grundgesetze) is very rare and would refer to multiple constitutions of different states, which is unusual in the context of the German Grundgesetz.

📝 Example Sentences:

1. Artikel 1 des Grundgesetzes schützt die Menschenwürde. (Article 1 of the Basic Law protects human dignity.)
2. Wir müssen uns nach dem Grundgesetz richten. (We must abide by the Basic Law.)
3. Jeder sollte das Grundgesetz kennen. (Everyone should know the Basic Law.)
4. Das Grundgesetz garantiert die Meinungsfreiheit. (The Basic Law guarantees freedom of speech.)

💡 When and How to Use das Grundgesetz?

The term das Grundgesetz is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Law and Politics: In discussions about laws, constitutional law, political decisions, and the structure of the German state.
• Education and Society: In civics education, debates about civil rights, and societal values.
• History: When discussing Germany's post-war history and the development of the Federal Republic.

It is the central document referred to by politicians, lawyers, and citizens when discussing the fundamental rules of coexistence and state organization in Germany. People often talk about "rights anchored in the Grundgesetz" (*im Grundgesetz verankerte Rechte) or "violations of the Grundgesetz" (Verstöße gegen das Grundgesetz*).

Comparison: While Gesetz is a general term for a legal norm, das Grundgesetz specifically refers to the German constitution.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

⚠️ Similar but Different Terms

• Gesetz: A single, specific legal norm (e.g., Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch - Civil Code, Strafgesetzbuch - Penal Code). Das Grundgesetz ranks higher than ordinary laws (Gesetze).
• Verordnung: An ordinance or regulation issued by the executive branch (government, administration), usually to specify details of a law.

😂 A Little Joke

Richter: "Kennen Sie das Grundgesetz?"
Angeklagter: "Teilweise, Herr Richter. Aber ich dachte immer, das gilt nur für Leute, die sich keinen guten Anwalt leisten können!"

Translation:
Judge: "Do you know the Basic Law?"
Defendant: "Parts of it, Your Honor. But I always thought it only applied to people who couldn't afford a good lawyer!"

📜 A Poem about the Grundgesetz

Das Fundament

Es heißt das Grundgesetz, klar und rein,
Soll Deutschlands Ordnung Hüter sein.
Von Würde spricht's im ersten Satz,
Ein fester, unverrückbar' Platz.

Es schützt die Freiheit, groß und klein,
Lässt Bürger mündig, sicher sein.
Das Recht, es steht auf festem Grund,
Verkündet laut von Mund zu Mund.

Translation: The Foundation

It's called das Grundgesetz, clear and pure,
To be the guardian of Germany's order, sure.
Of dignity it speaks in the first phrase,
A firm, unmovable place always.

It protects freedom, great and small,
Lets citizens be mature, safe through it all.
Das Recht (The Law), it stands on solid ground,
Proclaimed aloud, by word profound.

❓ A Little Riddle

Ich bin ein Buch, doch les' mich nicht zum Spaß.
Ich bin die Basis für den deutschen Staat.
Ich schütze deine Rechte, Tag für Tag.
Mein Artikel ist stets sächlich, keine Frag'.

Was bin ich? Lösung / Solution: das Grundgesetz

Translation:

I am a book, but not read for fun.
I am the basis for the German nation.
I protect your rights, every single day.
My article is always neuter, no other way.

What am I?
Solution: the Basic Law (das Grundgesetz)

🌐 More Interesting Facts

• Word Composition: The word is composed of Grund (ground, base, foundation) and Gesetz (law).
• Origin: Das Grundgesetz was drafted in 1948/49 by the Parlamentarischer Rat (Parliamentary Council) in Bonn, as a response to the Nazi dictatorship and World War II.
• Article 1 GG: Arguably the most famous article states: "Die Würde des Menschen ist unantastbar. Sie zu achten und zu schützen ist Verpflichtung aller staatlichen Gewalt." (Human dignity shall be inviolable. To respect and protect it shall be the duty of all state authority.)
• Eternity Clause (Ewigkeitsklausel): Certain fundamental principles of the Grundgesetz (such as human dignity and the principles of democracy and the rule of law) can never be amended, according to Article 79, Paragraph 3 GG.