basis / foundation
Loading your saved state.
basis / foundation
The basis, foundation, or starting point on which something is built or from which something develops. This can refer to ideas, arguments, relationships, or knowledge.
Vertrauen ist die Grundlage jeder guten Freundschaft.
Trust is the foundation of every good friendship.
The word is made up of 'Grund' (ground, basis) and 'Lage' (layer, position). So it literally describes the lowest layer on which everything else is built.
Die wissenschaftliche Studie bildet die Grundlage für die neue Theorie.
The scientific study forms the basis for the new theory.
The phrase 'auf der Grundlage von' (on the basis of) is a fixed expression meaning 'based on'. It is often used in formal, official, or scientific texts and takes the dative.
Der Angeklagte wurde auf der Grundlage von Zeugenaussagen verurteilt.
The defendant was convicted on the basis of witness statements.
Common verbs used with 'Grundlage' (basis/foundation) are 'die Grundlage schaffen' (to create the basis), 'die Grundlage legen' (to lay the foundation), or 'als Grundlage dienen' (to serve as the basis).
Mit diesem Kurs legen Sie die Grundlage für Ihre weitere Ausbildung.
With this course, you lay the foundation for your further education.
To express what something is the basis for, you usually use the preposition 'für' with the accusative or the genitive.
Eine gute Ausbildung ist die Grundlage für ein erfolgreiches Berufsleben.
A good education is the foundation for a successful professional life.
basis / base
'die Basis' and 'die Grundlage' are often very similar. Both mean something on which something else is built, for example knowledge, a decision, or a plan. 'Grundlage' sounds very natural in many everyday situations and in official texts, especially with rules, information, or decisions. 'Basis' can fit just as well, but sometimes sounds a bit shorter or more technical. They are easy to confuse because the phrases 'auf der Basis von' (on the basis of) and 'auf der Grundlage von' (on the basis of) also work almost the same way.
Die neuen Zahlen sind die Grundlage für unsere Entscheidung.
The new figures are the basis for our decision.
Gute Grammatik ist eine wichtige Basis für das Schreiben.
Good grammar is an important basis for writing.