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.
concept / plan
Both words can describe the conceptual basis of a project. „Die Grundidee“ names only the central starting thought, while „das Konzept“ usually develops that thought into a more comprehensive plan with a structure. Use „Grundidee“ for the core and „Konzept“ for the fully developed overall plan.
Die Grundidee des Projekts ist, Nachbarn bei gemeinsamen Aufgaben zu unterstützen.
The project’s basic idea is to support neighbors with tasks they can do together.
Das Konzept des Projekts erklärt die Grundidee und legt die einzelnen Arbeitsschritte fest.
The project’s concept explains the basic idea and sets out the individual steps.
