der
Grundsatz
📖 What does "der Grundsatz" mean?
Der Grundsatz (noun, masculine) refers to a fundamental rule, a principle, or a maxim that serves as a basis or guideline for thought, action, or a system. It's a fundamental statement or conviction upon which other things are built.
- Meaning 1: A fundamental rule or principle (e.g., an ethischer Grundsatz - ethical principle, a rechtsstaatlicher Grundsatz - principle of the rule of law).
- Meaning 2: An axiom or basic assumption (e.g., in mathematics or philosophy).
Since the word only uses the article "der", there are no differences in meaning based on the article. 🚨 Don't confuse it with "der Satz" (sentence, leap, set) or "der Grund" (reason, ground).
Article rules for der, die, and das
-tz → almost always masculine.
🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Grundsatz
"Grundsatz" is a masculine noun. Here is its declension:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | der | Grundsatz |
| Genitive (Possessive) | des | Grundsatzes |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | dem | Grundsatz / Grundsatze |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | den | Grundsatz |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Grundsätze |
| Genitive | der | Grundsätze |
| Dative | den | Grundsätzen |
| Accusative | die | Grundsätze |
Example Sentences
- Der wichtigste Grundsatz lautet: Ehrlichkeit zuerst.
(The most important principle is: honesty first.) - Die Entscheidung widersprach den Grundsätzen des Unternehmens.
(The decision contradicted the company's principles.) - Wir handeln nach festen ethischen Grundsätzen.
(We act according to firm ethical principles.) - Er erklärte mir den Grundsatz der Gewaltenteilung.
(He explained the principle of the separation of powers to me.)
💡 How to use "Grundsatz"
"Grundsatz" is often used in formal or abstract contexts, especially when discussing rules, principles, or beliefs considered fundamental.
- Context: Law (e.g., rechtsstaatliche Grundsätze - principles of the rule of law), ethics (moralische Grundsätze - moral principles), politics (politische Grundsätze - political principles), science (wissenschaftliche Grundsätze - scientific principles), business (wirtschaftliche Grundsätze - economic principles), but also in a personal context (Lebensgrundsätze - life principles).
- Typical Phrases: "aus Grundsatz" (on principle), "ein fester Grundsatz" (a firm principle), "gegen einen Grundsatz verstoßen" (to violate a principle), "Grundsätze aufstellen/befolgen" (to establish/follow principles).
- Comparison: While "Regel" (rule) is often more specific and concrete, "Grundsatz" refers to a higher-level, more fundamental guideline. "Prinzip" is a very close synonym. "Maxime" emphasizes more of a personal rule for action.
Example: One can break a specific traffic Regel (e.g., speeding), but the Grundsatz behind it is the safety of all road users.
🧠 Mnemonics for "Grundsatz"
For the article: Remember: The firm Grund (ground, foundation) on which everything stands, the Grundsatz, is masculine and strong, like DER rock (der Fels). So, it's DER Grundsatz.
For the meaning: A Grundsatz is a Satz (sentence, statement, theorem) that lays the Grund (ground, foundation, reason). It's the basic statement or rule.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- Prinzip: (Principle) - Very similar, often interchangeable.
- Maxime: (Maxim) - More of a personal rule of conduct.
- Leitsatz: (Guiding principle, motto) - A leading, often formulated rule.
- Regel: (Rule) - Often more concrete than Grundsatz.
- Richtlinie: (Guideline) - An instruction or recommendation.
- Axiom: (Axiom) - An unproven but assumed true principle (math, logic).
- Dogma: (Dogma) - A rigid, binding doctrine.
Antonyms (opposite meaning):
- Ausnahme: (Exception) - A case that deviates from the principle.
- Sonderfall: (Special case) - A specific situation treated differently.
- Beliebigkeit: (Arbitrariness) - The lack of firm principles.
- Willkür: (Arbitrariness, despotism) - Acting without or against principles.
⚠️ Note: Do not confuse with "Vorsatz" (intention, resolution) or "Ansatz" (approach, starting point).
😄 A Little Joke
Warum streiten sich zwei Grundsätze nie lange?
Weil sie sich prinzipiell einig sind! 😉
(Why do two principles never argue for long?)
(Because they agree in principle!)
📜 A Poem about Principles
Ein Grundsatz, fest und klar,
weist den Weg, Jahr für Jahr.
Er ist das Fundament, der Stein,
lässt uns im Handeln sicher sein.
Mal starr, mal weich, doch stets präsent,
ein Leitstern, den man anerkennt.
(A principle, firm and clear,
shows the way, year after year.
It is the foundation, the stone,
lets us be secure in our actions shown.
Sometimes rigid, sometimes soft, yet always present,
a guiding star that's acknowledged, heaven-sent.)
🧩 Riddle Time
Ich bin eine Regel, tief und schwer,
geb' die Richtung, komm von weit her.
Man baut auf mich, im Recht, im Leben,
versuch', dem Handeln Sinn zu geben.
Ich habe stets den Artikel 'der'.
Was bin ich?
... Der Grundsatz
(I am a rule, deep and profound,
I give direction, from far around.
People build on me, in law, in life,
I try to give meaning to action and strife.
My article is always 'der'.
What am I?
... Der Grundsatz (The Principle))
✨ Other Information
Word Composition:
"Grundsatz" is a compound noun (Kompositum), composed of:
The composition highlights the meaning: a fundamental statement or foundational principle.
Cultural Significance: Principles (Grundsätze) play a significant role in German culture, particularly in the legal system (e.g., the principles of the Basic Law - Grundgesetz) and in business management. Adherence to principles is often considered a virtue.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Grundsatz?
The word "Grundsatz" is always masculine. The correct form is der Grundsatz (nominative singular), des Grundsatzes (genitive singular), die Grundsätze (nominative/accusative plural).