01
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
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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
'der Fuß' and 'die Basis' can both mean the lower or foundational part of something. 'der Fuß' is usually more concrete and spatial: for example, people talk about the foot of a mountain, a glass, or a piece of furniture. 'die Basis' more generally means the basis or foundation on which something stands or is built. This can be a real lower part, but also an idea, a plan, or knowledge. 'Fuß' sounds more natural when you really mean the lower part of an object or place. 'Basis' fits better when you are describing the foundation for something.
Basis
Gute Grammatik ist eine wichtige Basis, wenn du längere Texte schreiben willst.
Good grammar is an important basis if you want to write longer texts.
Fuß
Am Fuß des Berges liegt ein kleines Dorf.
At the foot of the mountain lies a small village.
In real life
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