das  Grundnahrungsmittel

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈɡʁʊntˌnaːʁʊŋsˌmɪtl/

🍲 What does 'das Grundnahrungsmittel' mean?

Das Grundnahrungsmittel (neuter, singular) refers to a food item that forms the basis of human nutrition in a specific culture or region. It is usually inexpensive, filling, and provides a large part of the required energy (calories). Typical examples include potatoes (Kartoffeln), rice (Reis), bread (Brot, made from grains/Getreide), or corn (Mais). These are fundamental for feeding the population.

The word only takes the article 'das'. It is a compound noun (Kompositum).

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Das Grundnahrungsmittel

'Grundnahrungsmittel' is a noun (Substantiv) of neuter gender (sächlich). The article is always 'das'.

Declension (Deklination)

Example Sentences (Beispielsätze)

1. Brot ist in Deutschland ein wichtiges Grundnahrungsmittel.
   (Bread is an important staple food in Germany.)
2. Der Preis für Grundnahrungsmittel wie Reis und Kartoffeln ist gestiegen.
   (The price for staple foods like rice and potatoes has increased.)
3. Viele Hilfsorganisationen verteilen Grundnahrungsmittel an Bedürftige.
   (Many aid organizations distribute staple foods to people in need.)
4. Die Versorgung mit Grundnahrungsmitteln muss gesichert sein.
   (The supply of staple foods must be secured.)

💡 Everyday Usage

The term 'Grundnahrungsmittel' is often used in contexts related to nutrition (Ernährung), economy (Wirtschaft), agriculture (Landwirtschaft), or social issues (soziale Themen).

• Nutritional Science: Here, it describes the basis of a balanced diet.
• Economy: Price developments for staple foods often have a significant impact on inflation and the cost of living.
• Social Policy: The availability and affordability of staple foods are important aspects of social security.
• Everyday Language: People use it when referring to the simple, basic food items eaten regularly (e.g., when shopping: "Wir brauchen noch die Grundnahrungsmittel." - We still need the basic groceries/staples.).

Compared to 'Lebensmittel' (general term for any food) or 'Delikatesse' (special, often expensive delicacy), 'Grundnahrungsmittel' specifically denotes the foundation of the diet.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article 'das': Think of 'das Mittel' (the means, the substance, the remedy). A Grundnahrungsmittel is a means (Mittel) for survival, for nutrition. Many German words ending in '-mittel' are neuter (das Lebensmittel, das Heilmittel, das Waschmittel). This helps remember 'das Grundnahrungsmittel'.

Meaning: Imagine a house. The foundation, the Grund, is the most important part. Similarly, the Grundnahrungsmittel is the basis, the Grundstock (foundation stock), of our Nahrung (nutrition/food). It's the Mittel (means/substance) that keeps us alive.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Lehrer: "Was ist das wichtigste Grundnahrungsmittel für Schüler?"
Peter antwortet: "Die Pausenbrote, Herr Lehrer! Ohne die geht gar nichts!"

Teacher asks: "What is the most important staple food for students?"
Peter answers: "Packed lunches, teacher! Nothing works without them!"

📜 Poem about the Word

Das Brot, der Reis, die Kartoffel fein,
sind unsre Basis, tagaus, tagein.
Das Grundnahrungsmittel, schlicht und klar,
macht uns satt und stark, Jahr für Jahr.
Ob arm, ob reich, auf jedem Tisch,
hält es uns am Leben, gesund und frisch.

(Bread, rice, the fine potato,
are our basis, day in, day out.
The staple food, simple and clear,
makes us full and strong, year after year.
Whether poor or rich, on every table,
it keeps us alive, healthy and able.)

🤔 Little Riddle

Ich bin die Basis deiner Kost,
ob aus dem Westen oder Ost'.
Mal bin ich Korn, mal Knolle klein,
ich mach dich satt, so soll es sein.
Ich bin kein Luxus, doch essentiell,
mein Artikel ist sächlich, merk es dir schnell!

(I am the basis of your diet,
whether from the West or East.
Sometimes I'm grain, sometimes a small tuber,
I make you full, that's how it should be.
I am no luxury, but essential,
my article is neuter, remember it well!)

What am I?

Answer: Das Grundnahrungsmittel

🧩 Word Components and Trivia

Word Composition (Wortzusammensetzung)

The word 'Grundnahrungsmittel' is a compound noun (Kompositum), made up of three parts:

• Grund: Means base, foundation.
• Nahrung: Refers to food, nutrition, sustenance.
• Mittel: Means substance, product, or means here.

So, together it literally means a 'substance/product for basic nutrition'.

Cultural Significance (Kulturelle Bedeutung)

Which foods are considered Grundnahrungsmittel varies greatly by culture. In Asia, it's often rice; in South America, corn or potatoes; in many European countries, bread (wheat, rye) and potatoes.