das  Grundstück

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈɡʁʊntʃtʏk/

🗺️ What exactly is a Grundstück?

A Grundstück (article: das) refers to a demarcated piece of land that is registered in the land register (Grundbuch). It can be developed (with a house, factory, etc.) or undeveloped. Legally, it is a central term in real estate law.

• Bebautes Grundstück: A plot of land with one or more buildings on it.
• Unbebautes Grundstück: A plot of land without buildings (e.g., farmland, meadow, building land).

It represents a clearly defined area of land legally owned by a person or organization.

🧐 Grammar under the Microscope: Das Grundstück

The word "Grundstück" is a neuter noun. The article is das.

Example Sentences

1. Nom: Das Grundstück ist sehr groß. (The plot of land is very large.)
2. Gen: Der Wert des Grundstücks ist gestiegen. (The value of the property has increased.)
3. Dat: Auf dem Grundstück steht ein alter Baum. (There is an old tree on the property.)
4. Acc: Sie haben das Grundstück gekauft. (They bought the plot of land.)
5. Plural: Die Stadt verkauft mehrere Grundstücke am Stadtrand. (The city is selling several plots of land on the outskirts.)

💡 When to use 'Grundstück'?

The term "Grundstück" is primarily used in the following contexts:

• Real Estate: When buying, selling, or valuing land and buildings. (e.g., "Wir suchen ein Baugrundstück." - We are looking for a building plot.)
• Law & Administration: In contracts, the land register (Grundbuch), building permits. (e.g., "Die Grenzen des Grundstücks sind klar definiert." - The boundaries of the property are clearly defined.)
• Architecture & Construction: When planning buildings and using land areas. (e.g., "Die Ausrichtung des Hauses auf dem Grundstück ist optimal." - The orientation of the house on the plot is optimal.)
• Everyday Language: When talking about a piece of land that belongs to someone. (e.g., "Sein Grundstück liegt direkt am See." - His property is right by the lake.)

Distinction: While Immobilie often means the property including buildings, Grundstück primarily refers to the land itself, although it can include buildings. Parzelle is a more technical/official term for a part of a property or a small plot.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Aid (das): Think of das Haus (the house), which often stands on a Grundstück. Or think of neuter things like 'das Stück' (the piece) of land - so das Grundstück.

Meaning Aid: Imagine taking a big Stück (piece) of the Grund (ground) – that's your Grundstück (plot of land)!

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

Watch out for Confusion!

• Grund: Can also mean 'reason' or 'ground/bottom' in a general sense.
• Stück: A piece of something, not necessarily land.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Makler den Interessenten: "Wie gefällt Ihnen das Grundstück? Traumhafte Lage, oder?"
Antwortet der Interessent: "Ja, die Lage ist super! Nur schade, dass so viel Grundstück im Weg ist."

Translation:
The real estate agent asks the prospect: "How do you like the property? Fantastic location, right?"
The prospect replies: "Yes, the location is great! It's just a shame there's so much property in the way."

📜 A Rhyme for the Grundstück

Ein Stückchen Grund, ganz klar und rein,
im Kataster steht es fein.
Ob Wiese grün, ob Platz für Stein,
das Grundstück, ja, das ist nun mein!
Hier wächst ein Traum, hier baut man auf,
nimmt das Leben seinen Lauf.

Translation:
A piece of ground, quite clear and pure,
In the cadastre, it stands secure.
Whether green meadow, or space for stone,
The property, yes, is now my own!
Here grows a dream, here one builds anew,
Life takes its course, fresh and true.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich bin ein Stück vom Erdengrund,
begrenzt und klar zu jeder Stund'.
Man kann mich kaufen, messen, teilen,
und Häuser gern auf mir verweilen.

Was bin ich?

Translation:
I am a piece of the earth's ground,
Defined and clear, all year round.
You can buy me, measure, divide,
And houses like on me to reside.

What am I?

Solution: Das Grundstück (the plot of land/property)

🧩 More Tidbits

Word Composition:

The word "Grundstück" is a compound noun, composed of:

• Grund: Refers to ground, earth, foundation.
• Stück: Means piece, a separated part or area.

So, literally a "piece of ground" or "piece of land".

Trivia:

• Every Grundstück in Germany is recorded in the Grundbuch (land register), a public register documenting ownership and encumbrances (like mortgages).
• The exact boundaries of a Grundstück are officially determined and surveyed by the Kataster (cadastre or land registry map).