die  Grundlage

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈɡʁʊntlɑːɡə/

🧱 What does 'die Grundlage' mean?

Die Grundlage (noun, feminine) means the basis, foundation, or starting point for something. It's what something is built upon, based on, or rests upon. It can be used for concrete things (e.g., the foundation of a house) as well as abstract concepts (e.g., the basis of a theory, a decision, or a relationship).

• Meaning 1: Basis, foundation (material or conceptual) - Example: Ein solides Fundament ist die Grundlage für ein stabiles Haus. (A solid foundation is the basis for a stable house.)
• Meaning 2: Starting point, principle - Example: Gegenseitiger Respekt ist die Grundlage einer guten Freundschaft. (Mutual respect is the foundation of a good friendship.)
• Meaning 3: Data set, information base - Example: Auf Grundlage dieser Daten treffen wir unsere Entscheidung. (We make our decision on the basis of this data.)

⚠️ There are no other articles for "Grundlage". It is always feminine.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📜 Grammar & Declension of 'Grundlage'

The word "Grundlage" is a feminine noun. Here is its declension:

💡 Example Sentences:

1. Die wissenschaftliche Grundlage dieser Studie ist solide.
   (The scientific basis of this study is solid.)
2. Wir benötigen eine Überprüfung der Grundlagen des Projekts.
   (We need a review of the foundations of the project.)
3. Auf welcher Grundlage basiert Ihre Annahme?
   (On what basis is your assumption based?)
4. Er schuf die Grundlagen für den zukünftigen Erfolg.
   (He created the foundations for future success.)

🧐 How to use 'Grundlage'?

"Grundlage" is a very common word used in many contexts:

• Science & Research: Here, it often refers to the theoretical basis, the data foundation, or the principles of an investigation. (e.g., die theoretischen Grundlagen, Datengrundlage)
• Law & Politics: It refers to laws, treaties, or principles that serve as the basis for decisions or regulations. (e.g., Rechtsgrundlage, Vertragsgrundlage)
• Economics & Business: Can be the basis for business models, calculations, or negotiations. (e.g., Kalkulationsgrundlage, Geschäftsgrundlage)
• Everyday Language: It's often used to describe the reason or basis for an opinion, a relationship, or an action. (e.g., die Grundlage für Vertrauen - the basis for trust)

Typical Collocations:

• auf der Grundlage von... (on the basis of...)
• als Grundlage dienen (to serve as a basis)
• die Grundlage schaffen/legen für... (to create/lay the foundation for...)
• eine solide/breite/schwache Grundlage (a solid/broad/weak foundation)

Comparison with similar words:

• Basis: Very similar and often interchangeable. "Grundlage" sometimes emphasizes the starting point or the principle aspect more strongly.
• Fundament: More commonly used for physical structures or very fundamental, supporting elements (also abstractly).
• Prinzip: Refers more to a rule or guideline, whereas "Grundlage" describes the broader base.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'Grundlage'

For the article 'die': Think of a stage (die Bühne - feminine) which needs a solid Grundlage (foundation) to stand on. Both start abstractly with something that supports. Or remember that many abstract nouns ending in -e are feminine, like die Lage, die Frage, die Grundlage.

For the meaning 'basis/foundation': Imagine laying the groundwork (Grund) for a new project. That initial layer (Lage) is the Grundlage.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

Be careful with similar words:

• Grund: Means 'reason' or 'ground/bottom'. (Der Grund für seine Verspätung. Auf dem Grund des Sees. - The reason for his delay. At the bottom of the lake.) Although 'Grundlage' derives from 'Grund', the meanings are distinct.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum streiten sich nie zwei Mathematiker über ihre Grundlagen?

Weil sie immer eine gemeinsame Basis finden! 😉

---

Why do two mathematicians never argue about their foundations?

Because they always find a common basis! 😉

✒️ Poem about Grundlage

Die Grundlage, fest und breit,
trägt das Haus durch Raum und Zeit.
Ob Wissen, Freundschaft oder Stein,
ohne sie bricht alles ein.
Sie ist der Start, der erste Schritt,
nimmt alle andern Stützen mit.

---

The foundation, firm and wide,
Carries the house through space and time.
Be it knowledge, friendship, or stone,
Without it, everything collapses alone.
It is the start, the very first stride,
Taking all other supports alongside.

❓ Riddle

Ich bin der Anfang, oft nicht sichtbar,
trage doch das Schwerste, Jahr für Jahr.
Bin für Theorien und Häuser da,
ohne mich ist nichts wirklich wahr.

Was bin ich?

Lösung: die Grundlage

---

I am the beginning, often unseen,
Yet I carry the heaviest load, year after year it's been.
I exist for theories and houses alike,
Without me, nothing is truly right.

What am I?

Solution: die Grundlage (the basis/foundation)

🧩 Other Information

Word Composition:

The word "Grundlage" is a compound noun:

• Grund: Refers to ground, base, reason.
• Lage: Refers to position, layer, or situation.

Together, they create the meaning of a base layer or a fundamental position upon which something else is built.

Interesting Fact: The plural form "Grundlagen" is often used to mean 'basics' or 'fundamentals' (e.g., "die Grundlagen der Physik lernen" - "to learn the fundamentals of physics").