to be based / to set foot
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to be based on
To be based on something, rest on something, or be derived from something. Used almost exclusively in this expression to describe a foundation or origin.
Die gesamte Anklage fußt auf der Aussage eines einzigen Zeugen.
The entire prosecution case is based on the statement of a single witness.
to set foot
To place or put one's feet on something. This literal meaning is very rare today and is mostly used only in elevated or old-fashioned language.
Der Bergsteiger fußte vorsichtig auf dem schmalen Felsvorsprung.
The mountaineer carefully set foot on the narrow rocky ledge.
The verb 'fußen' is derived from the noun 'der Fuß' (foot). This connection to the idea of a stable base helps you understand both the literal and the figurative meaning.
Sein Erfolg fußt auf harter Arbeit und ein wenig Glück.
His success is based on hard work and a little luck.
In the common figurative meaning, 'fußen' is always used with the preposition 'auf' and the dative. The fixed structure is: Etwas fußt auf etwas (something is based on something).
Meine Argumentation fußt auf den neuesten wissenschaftlichen Erkenntnissen.
My argument is based on the latest scientific findings.
The expression 'fußen auf' (to be based on) is typical of formal written language, for example in academic, legal, or official texts. In everyday speech, it often sounds somewhat stiff.
Das Urteil des Gerichts fußt auf einer eindeutigen Beweislage.
The court's judgment is based on a clear body of evidence.
The literal meaning, that is, placing one's feet on something, is very rare today. You find it almost only in old-fashioned or very elevated, poetic language.
Mit jedem Schritt fußte er fester auf dem unsicheren Boden.
With each step, he set his foot more firmly on the unstable ground.
to be based
Basieren auf and fußen auf both describe the foundation of something and are largely interchangeable in meaning. Basieren is the usual form in present-day standard German, while fußen sounds more elevated and less common. In neutral texts, basieren is usually the more suitable choice.
Das vorliegende Konzept fußt auf den Ergebnissen der aktuellen Umfrage.
The concept at hand is based on the results of the latest survey.
Unser Konzept basiert auf den Ergebnissen der aktuellen Umfrage.
Our concept is based on the results of the latest survey.
