basic idea
Loading your saved state.
basic idea
The central, fundamental idea or guiding principle on which a concept, plan, work, or theory is based.
Der Grundgedanke des Projekts ist es, Bildung für alle zugänglich zu machen.
The basic idea of the project is to make education accessible to everyone.
This word consists of 'Grund' (basis/foundation) and 'Gedanke' (thought/idea). Here, 'Grund' means 'basis' or 'foundation.' The 'Grundgedanke' (basic idea) is therefore the fundamental idea on which everything else is built.
Der Grundgedanke der Demokratie ist die Herrschaft des Volkes.
The basic idea of democracy is the rule of the people.
The 'Grundgedanke' (basic idea) is often explained with a subordinate clause using 'dass' (that) or an infinitive construction with 'zu' (to). The structure is then: 'Der Grundgedanke ist, dass...' (The basic idea is that...) or 'Der Grundgedanke ist, ... zu ...' (The basic idea is to...).
Der Grundgedanke der neuen App ist, Menschen mit gleichen Interessen zu verbinden.
The basic idea of the new app is to connect people with similar interests.
'Grundgedanke' (basic idea) is often used with the preposition 'hinter' (behind) or 'von' (of) to specify what it is the core idea of. Examples are 'der Grundgedanke hinter einem Plan' (the basic idea behind a plan) or 'der Grundgedanke eines Buches' (the basic idea of a book).
Was ist der Grundgedanke hinter dieser neuen Strategie?
What is the basic idea behind this new strategy?
idea
'die Idee' and 'der Grundgedanke' can both mean the concept behind something. But 'die Idee' is broader: it can be a quick thought, a plan, or also the concept of something. 'der Grundgedanke' more specifically means the central idea on which everything else is based. The word fits especially well with concepts, texts, projects, or theories. If you mean just a single thought, 'Idee' is more natural. If you mean the most important basis of a larger plan, 'Grundgedanke' is more precise.
Der Grundgedanke des Plans ist, dass alle weniger Energie verbrauchen.
The basic idea of the plan is that everyone uses less energy.
Nach dem Unterricht habe ich in der Küche eine Idee für das Abendessen.
After class, I have an idea for dinner in the kitchen.