basic idea
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basic idea
The central, fundamental idea or core concept on which a plan, work, theory, or project is based.
Die Grundidee des Buches ist die Freundschaft zwischen zwei ungleichen Charakteren.
The basic idea of the book is the friendship between two very different characters.
The word consists of 'Grund' (ground/base) and 'Idee' (idea). The prefix 'Grund-' here means 'fundamental' or 'central'. So it is the one most important idea behind something.
Die Grundidee der Demokratie ist die Mitbestimmung der Bürger.
The basic idea of democracy is citizens' participation in decision-making.
The Grundidee (basic idea) is often explained with a subordinate clause with 'dass' (that) or an infinitive construction with 'zu' (to). These follow directly after a form of 'sein' (to be).
Die Grundidee ist, dass jeder eine zweite Chance verdient.
The basic idea is that everyone deserves a second chance.
People often speak of the 'Grundidee eines Plans' (basic idea of a plan), 'eines Konzepts' (of a concept), 'eines Films' (of a film), or 'eines Unternehmens' (of a company). Typical verbs are 'verstehen' (to understand), 'erklären' (to explain), or 'verfolgen' (to pursue).
Ich habe die Grundidee deines Plans noch nicht ganz verstanden.
I still haven't quite understood the basic idea of your plan.
idea
'die Idee' and 'die Grundidee' both have to do with a thought or concept. 'Idee' is more general: it can be a spontaneous idea, a plan, or the concept behind something. 'Grundidee' means the central idea on which something is based. So you tend to use 'Grundidee' when talking about a project, a book, a plan, or a theory. The words can be confused because every 'Grundidee' is also an 'Idee'. But not every small or spontaneous 'Idee' is automatically a 'Grundidee'.
Nach dem Gespräch erklärte er dem Team noch einmal die Grundidee des Projekts.
After the conversation, he explained the basic idea of the project to the team once again.
Marie hatte zu Hause die Idee, das Wohnzimmer heller zu streichen.
At home, Marie had the idea of painting the living room a lighter color.