justification / founding
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justification
The giving of reasons or an explanation of why something is the way it is or was done; a justification.
Für die Ablehnung des Antrags wurde keine ausreichende Begründung geliefert.
No sufficient justification was provided for the rejection of the application.
'Begründung' (justification/founding) comes from the verb 'begründen' (to justify/found), which is based on the noun 'der Grund' (reason/ground). This explains the two meanings: a 'Begründung' can be the giving of reasons or the creation of a foundation (founding).
Er konnte sein Handeln nicht plausibel begründen.
He could not plausibly justify his actions.
When a justification is meant, 'Begründung' is often combined with verbs such as 'geben' (to give), 'liefern' (to provide), 'anführen' (to cite), or 'nennen' (to name/state). You can also 'fragen' (ask) for a justification or 'fordern' (demand) one.
Der Chef verlangte eine schriftliche Begründung für die Verzögerung.
The boss demanded a written justification for the delay.
To express what the justification applies to, the preposition 'für' (for) with the accusative is almost always used.
Gibt es eine offizielle Begründung für die Änderung des Plans?
Is there an official justification for the change to the plan?
The meaning 'Gründung' (founding) is rarer and more formal. It is usually used for abstract things such as a theory, a partnership, or a scientific discipline, not for a concrete company.
Die Begründung einer Familie ist ein großer Schritt im Leben.
Starting a family is a big step in life.
reason / ground
'der Grund' and 'die Begründung' are closely related, but they are not the same. 'der Grund' is what lies behind an action or decision. 'die Begründung' is the explanation that you give for it. A reason can therefore exist internally or factually, even if no one says it out loud. A 'Begründung' is something you say or write in order to make something understandable or to justify it. Learners confuse the words because both answer 'why?'. In practice: you have a 'Grund', but you give a 'Begründung'.
Für die Absage schickte sie eine kurze Begründung per E-Mail.
She sent a brief explanation for the cancellation by email.
Am Montag blieben die Gäste aus einem einfachen Grund länger im Hotel.
On Monday, the guests stayed longer at the hotel for a simple reason.