fundamental / basic
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fundamental
Forming the basis or foundation for something; of central and essential importance.
Das Recht auf freie Meinungsäußerung ist ein grundlegendes Prinzip der Demokratie.
The right to freedom of expression is a fundamental principle of democracy.
basic
Concerning the simplest and most important aspects of a topic; elementary.
Für diesen Job benötigen Sie grundlegende Kenntnisse in der Buchhaltung.
For this job, you need basic knowledge of accounting.
The word is made up of 'Grund' (ground/basis) and 'legend' (from 'legen', to lay). The literal meaning is 'laying the ground' or 'laying a foundation'. This helps you understand the central meaning of 'fundamental'.
Wir müssen über einige grundlegende Dinge sprechen.
We need to talk about a few fundamental things.
'Grundlegend' (fundamental/basic) belongs to a word family around 'der Grund' (the reason/ground). Related words are 'die Grundlage' (the basis) and the verb 'gründen' (to found/establish something). All these words have to do with a basis or foundation.
Eine gute Ausbildung ist die Grundlage für den beruflichen Erfolg.
A good education is the basis for professional success.
'Grundlegend' can also be used as an adverb to intensify a verb or another adjective. It then means something like 'from the ground up' or 'completely'.
Die Pläne wurden grundlegend geändert.
The plans were fundamentally changed.
In the meaning 'fundamental', 'grundlegend' is often combined with abstract nouns. Typical examples are 'ein grundlegendes Recht' (a fundamental right), 'ein grundlegendes Problem' (a fundamental problem), 'ein grundlegender Unterschied' (a fundamental difference), or 'eine grundlegende Reform' (a fundamental reform).
Zwischen den beiden Theorien gibt es einen grundlegenden Unterschied.
There is a fundamental difference between the two theories.
generally / fundamental
Grundsätzlich and grundlegend can both describe something fundamental. grundsätzlich tends to emphasize a principle or general attitude, while grundlegend highlights the basis and central prerequisite for something. Use grundsätzlich for rules and positions, and grundlegend for things on which something is built.
Eine klare Aufgabenverteilung ist für den Erfolg des Projekts grundlegend.
A clear division of responsibilities is fundamental to the project's success.
Wir sind grundsätzlich bereit, den Plan zu ändern, wenn alle zustimmen.
We are generally willing to change the plan if everyone agrees.
