das  Grundsatzprogramm

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈɡʁʊntˌzatspʁoˌɡʁam/

📜 What exactly is a Grundsatzprogramm?

The Grundsatzprogramm (neuter gender) refers to a document or a collection of guiding principles that outline the fundamental and long-term goals, values, and principles of an organization. Most commonly, the term is used in connection with political parties, but other organizations like trade unions or associations can also have a Grundsatzprogramm.

It differs from the Wahlprogramm (election program), which is usually more short-term, focused on a specific election, and contains more concrete measures. The Grundsatzprogramm forms the ideological basis and the framework for the organization's actions.

There is only one article: das. No risk of confusion! ✅

🧐 Grammar: Declining 'das Grundsatzprogramm'

The word „Grundsatzprogramm“ is a neuter noun. It is declined as follows:

📝 Example Sentences

• Die Partei diskutierte auf ihrem Parteitag über ein neues Grundsatzprogramm. (The party discussed a new fundamental program at its convention.)
• Im Grundsatzprogramm sind die langfristigen Visionen der Organisation verankert. (The long-term visions of the organization are anchored in the fundamental program.)
• Die Entwicklung des neuen Grundsatzprogramms dauerte mehrere Jahre. (The development of the new fundamental program took several years.)
• Viele Mitglieder stimmten den neuen Grundsatzprogrammen der fusionierten Vereine zu. (Many members agreed to the new fundamental programs of the merged associations.)

🎯 When and how to use 'Grundsatzprogramm'?

The term das Grundsatzprogramm is primarily used in the following contexts:

• Politics: The classic field of application. Political parties define their ideological orientation, their vision of society, and their core goals in their Grundsatzprogramm (e.g., the Godesberg Program of the SPD or the Ahlen Program of the CDU).
• Organizations: Trade unions, environmental groups, churches, or business associations can also adopt a Grundsatzprogramm to define their fundamental positions.
• Distinction: It is important to distinguish the Grundsatzprogramm from the Wahlprogramm (election program - concrete promises for a legislative period) or the Satzung (statutes/bylaws - the legal basis of the organization).

It signals a fundamental orientation, often valid for many years, and serves to build identity internally and position the organization externally.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic: Think of "das Programm" (the program). A Grundsatzprogramm is a specific type of Programm, and many German words ending in '-gramm' are neuter (neuter), like das Telegramm, das Diagramm. So, remember: das Grundsatzprogramm.

Meaning Mnemonic: Break down the word: Grundsatz (principle, fundamental rule) + Programm (program). It's literally a 'program of principles'. Quite logical!

🔄 Synonyms and Contrasting Concepts

😄 A Little Joke

Ein Politiker fragt den anderen: "Hast du unser neues Grundsatzprogramm gelesen?"
Sagt der andere: "Nein, ich warte lieber auf die Verfilmung! Die ist meist kürzer und spannender." 😉

Translation:
One politician asks another: "Have you read our new fundamental program?"
The other replies: "No, I'd rather wait for the movie adaptation! It's usually shorter and more exciting." 😉

✍️ A Poem About the Term

Das Grundsatzprogramm, schwer und dicht,
Gibt Richtung, Halt und klares Licht.
Für Partei'n und Verbände, groß und klein,
Soll's Kompass für die Zukunft sein.

Langfristig gedacht, fundamental,
Nicht nur für die nächste Wahl.
Die Werte tief, das Ziel ganz klar,
So steht es da, Jahr für Jahr.

Translation:
The fundamental program, heavy and dense,
Gives direction, support, and clear sense.
For parties and groups, both large and small,
A compass for the future's call.

Long-term thinking, fundamental ground,
Not just for the next election round.
With values deep, the goal defined,
It stands there firmly, year by year enshrined.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin ein Plan, doch nicht für den Tag,
Ich zeige den Weg, den eine Gruppe mag.
Parteien nutzen mich, als Fundament,
Ich bin ihr Kompass, der die Richtung kennt.
Ich ändre mich selten, bin auf Dauer gedacht,
Nicht schnell für die Wahl, sondern mit Bedacht gemacht.

Was bin ich?

Translation:
I am a plan, but not for the day,
I show the path a group wants to sway.
Parties use me as their foundation stone,
I am their compass, making direction known.
I change rarely, designed for the long run,
Not quick for the vote, but carefully spun.

What am I?
(Answer: das Grundsatzprogramm)

🧩 Word Puzzle: Composition

The word „Grundsatzprogramm“ is a compound noun (ein Kompositum), meaning it's formed by combining two words:

• der Grundsatz: A principle, a fundamental rule or belief.
• das Programm: A program, a plan, a set of goals or guidelines.

Together, it literally means a „program of principles“. The neuter gender assignment („das“) is determined by the second part of the compound noun („das Programm“). This is a common rule in German word formation.