starting point
Loading your saved state.
starting point
A starting point or first basis for a thought, investigation, or action. It is the point where one can begin to solve a problem or work on a task.
Der Fingerabdruck am Tatort war der erste Ansatzpunkt für die Ermittlungen der Polizei.
The fingerprint at the crime scene was the first starting point for the police investigation.
The word consists of 'Ansatz' (approach/starting point) and 'Punkt' (point). 'Ansatz' comes from the verb 'ansetzen' (to begin, to apply). So an 'Ansatzpunkt' is literally the point where you begin with something or apply something.
Wir brauchen einen neuen Ansatz, um dieses Problem zu lösen.
We need a new approach to solve this problem.
The meaning depends on the context. In a figurative sense, it is a starting point for an idea or solution, for example to a problem. In a technical sense, it is a physical point where a force acts or something is attached.
Seine Theorie bietet einen interessanten Ansatzpunkt für die weitere Forschung.
His theory offers an interesting starting point for further research.
In the figurative sense, 'Ansatzpunkt' (starting point) is often combined with verbs such as 'bieten' (to offer), 'finden' (to find), 'suchen' (to look for), or 'geben' (to give). It is also often used in the plural when there are several possibilities.
Die Aussage des Zeugen gab der Polizei neue Ansatzpunkte.
The witness's statement gave the police new starting points.
The word is very often used with the preposition 'für' (for) and the accusative to describe what something is a starting point for.
Das ist ein guter Ansatzpunkt für eine Diskussion.
That is a good starting point for a discussion.
basis / base
'die Basis' and 'der Ansatzpunkt' can both mean a starting point. 'die Basis' is a broader foundation on which something is built. It can already be stable and comprehensive. 'der Ansatzpunkt' is more specific: it is the point where you can begin with a thought, investigation, or action. The words can be confused when talking about the start of work or planning. 'Basis' fits when you mean the foundation of the whole thing. 'Ansatzpunkt' fits when you are asking: Where do we begin?
Nach dem Gespräch fand Sarah endlich einen Ansatzpunkt für die Lösung des Problems.
After the conversation, Sarah finally found a starting point for solving the problem.
Die Umfrage ist die Basis für unseren neuen Plan.
The survey is the basis for our new plan.