die Basis
basis
The basis, starting point, or foundation for something.
EXAMPLE
Gegenseitiges Vertrauen ist die Basis für eine gute Freundschaft.
Mutual trust is the basis for a good friendship.
die Basis
basis / base
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Meanings
die Basis
base
A base, especially a military one, from which operations are launched.
EXAMPLE
Die Flugzeuge starten von einer geheimen Basis im Ausland.
The planes take off from a secret base abroad.
die Basis
grassroots
The ordinary members of an organization, party, or union as a whole, in contrast to the leadership.
EXAMPLE
Die Parteiführung hat den Kontakt zur Basis verloren.
The party leadership has lost contact with the grassroots.
auf der Basis von
on the basis of
A prepositional phrase that means 'because of' or 'based on'.
EXAMPLE
Die Entscheidung wurde auf der Basis der neuesten Daten getroffen.
The decision was made on the basis of the latest data.
die Basis
base
In chemistry, a substance that reacts with an acid to form a salt; an alkali.
EXAMPLE
Natriumhydroxid ist eine starke chemische Basis.
Sodium hydroxide is a strong chemical base.
Usage tips
Context clue
The context reveals the meaning: If it is about ideas or relationships, it means 'Grundlage' (basis/foundation). With the military or airplanes, it is a 'Stützpunkt' (base). In a political context, it means the 'Mitglieder' (members). In chemistry, it is the 'Gegensatz zur Säure' (opposite of an acid).
EXAMPLE
Vertrauen ist die Basis unserer Zusammenarbeit.
Trust is the basis of our cooperation.
Typical collocations
As 'Grundlage' (basis/foundation), 'Basis' is often used with the preposition 'für' (for). Typical verbs are 'bilden' (to form), 'schaffen' (to create), or 'sein' (to be). People often speak of a 'solide' (solid), 'gute' (good), or 'breite' (broad) basis.
EXAMPLE
Diese Fakten bilden eine solide Basis für unsere Argumentation.
These facts form a solid basis for our argument.
Typical collocations
In a military context, 'Basis' is often combined into compound words such as 'Militärbasis' (military base), 'Luftwaffenbasis' (air force base), or 'Operationsbasis' (base of operations).
EXAMPLE
Von dieser Operationsbasis aus starten alle Einsätze.
All missions start from this base of operations.
Political context
In politics, 'die Basis' refers to all the members of a party or organization, in contrast to the 'Führung' (leadership) or 'Spitze' (top leadership). One can have or lose 'Kontakt zur Basis' (contact with the grassroots).
EXAMPLE
Die Entscheidung der Parteispitze wurde von der Basis stark kritisiert.
The decision by the party leadership was strongly criticized by the grassroots.
Fixed expression
The expression 'auf der Basis von' (on the basis of) is a fixed phrase that means 'aufgrund von' (because of / based on). It is often used in formal, scientific, or administrative texts and requires the dative.
EXAMPLE
Die Auswahl erfolgte auf der Basis von strengen Kriterien.
The selection was made on the basis of strict criteria.
Register
This meaning of 'Basis' is a technical term from chemistry. You will hear or read it almost exclusively in this specific context.
EXAMPLE
Im Chemieunterricht lernen wir den Unterschied zwischen einer Säure und einer Basis.
In chemistry class, we learn the difference between an acid and a base.
Compare with
Basis vs Fuß
foot
Fuß is the usual term for the lowest part of a mountain. Basis can also refer to its foundation or lower starting area, but sounds more technical or geometric. Fuß is appropriate in an ordinary location description, while Basis is more suitable in a factual model description.
Basis
Im geometrischen Modell bildet die breite Grundfläche die Basis des Bergkörpers.
In the geometric model, the broad base forms the basis of the mountain body.
Fuß
Am Fuß des Berges liegt ein kleines Dorf.
A small village lies at the foot of the mountain.
In real life
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