foundation
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foundation
The lowest, load-bearing part of a structure that transfers the building's weight to the ground. It forms the structural base.
Das Fundament für das neue Haus wurde letzte Woche aus Beton gegossen.
The foundation for the new house was poured in concrete last week.
foundation
In a figurative sense, the intellectual, conceptual, or factual basis on which something is built. It refers to the basis for an idea, a relationship, or a theory.
Gegenseitiges Vertrauen ist das Fundament einer jeden guten Freundschaft.
Mutual trust is the foundation of every good friendship.
'Das Fundament' (foundation) is related to the adjective 'fundiert' (well-founded), e.g. 'fundiertes Wissen' (well-founded knowledge). Both express the idea of a solid, deep basis.
Für diese Behauptung braucht man ein fundiertes Wissen der Geschichte.
For this claim, you need well-founded knowledge of history.
You can recognize the meaning from the context. If it is about building, concrete, or houses, the literal meaning is intended. If it is about ideas, relationships, or knowledge, the figurative, abstract meaning is intended.
Die Bauarbeiter gießen heute das Fundament für die Garage.
The construction workers are pouring the foundation for the garage today.
In the literal sense, 'Fundament' (foundation) is often used with the verbs 'legen' (to lay), 'gießen' (to pour), or 'errichten' (to build/construct). People also speak of the 'Fundament eines Hauses' (foundation of a house) or 'einer Mauer' (of a wall).
Bevor die Mauern gebaut werden, muss das Fundament trocknen.
Before the walls are built, the foundation has to dry.
In the figurative meaning, the structure 'das Fundament für etwas sein/bilden/legen' (to be/form/lay the foundation for something) is often used. It describes the basis for abstract things such as 'Vertrauen' (trust), 'Erfolg' (success), or 'eine Beziehung' (a relationship).
Respekt und Kommunikation bilden das Fundament unserer Zusammenarbeit.
Respect and communication form the foundation of our cooperation.
basis / foundation
Grundlage and Fundament can both refer to the supporting base of a structure. Grundlage is more general and can, for example, refer to a prepared layer. In construction, Fundament is the more usual and precise term for the lowest load-bearing part.
Ein stabiles Fundament trägt das Gewicht des Gartenhauses.
A stable foundation supports the weight of the garden shed.
Eine verdichtete Kiesschicht bildet die Grundlage für das Gartenhaus.
A compacted layer of gravel forms the base for the garden shed.
