die Basics
basics
The fundamental knowledge, skills, or information needed for a particular subject.
EXAMPLE
Im ersten Kurs lernen die Teilnehmer die Basics der Fotografie.
In the first course, the participants learn the basics of photography.
die Basics
basics
die Basics
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
die Basics
basics
Basic, versatile items of clothing or other essentials.
EXAMPLE
Weiße T-Shirts und eine dunkle Jeans gehören zu den Basics in ihrem Kleiderschrank.
White T-shirts and dark jeans are basics in her wardrobe.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Basics, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| plural | die Basics |
|---|
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | – | die Basics |
| accusative | – | die Basics |
| dative | – | den Basics |
| genitive | – | der Basics |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Context clue
The intended meaning can usually be recognized from the surrounding words: with courses, learning, or knowledge, it refers to fundamental knowledge; with clothing, furniture, or equipment, it refers to basic essentials.
EXAMPLE
Im Einführungskurs wiederholen wir zuerst die Basics der Grammatik.
In the introductory course, we first review the basics of grammar.
Für die Reise fehlen mir noch einige Basics im Rucksack.
I still need a few basics in my backpack for the trip.
Register note
“Basics” is mainly common in spoken language and informal texts. The word is often used in areas such as education, fashion, technology, and everyday life.
EXAMPLE
Bevor wir beginnen, erklärt die Trainerin noch einmal die Basics.
Before we begin, the trainer will explain the basics once again.
Diese Basics sollte jeder Haushalt haben.
Every household should have these basics.
Typical collocations
For the meaning “fundamental knowledge,” “Basics” is often used with verbs such as “lernen” (to learn), “kennen” (to know), and “beherrschen” (to master). Typical subjects include grammar, photography, programming, and finance.
EXAMPLE
Wer die Basics der Bildbearbeitung beherrscht, kann schon gute Ergebnisse erzielen.
Anyone who has mastered the basics of image editing can already achieve good results.
Typical collocations
For the meaning “basic essentials,” “Basics” is often used with expressions related to fashion, the household, or technology. It often refers to items that can be used in many different ways.
EXAMPLE
Schwarze Schuhe und eine schlichte Jacke sind praktische Basics für den Alltag.
Black shoes and a simple jacket are practical basics for everyday life.
In real life
Loading video examples...