basic principle
das Grundprinzip, die Grundprinzipien
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basic principle
A fundamental guiding principle, a basic rule, or a central idea on which a system, theory, or way of acting is built.
Das Grundprinzip der Demokratie ist die Herrschaft des Volkes.
The basic principle of democracy is the rule of the people.
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Grundprinzipien |
| genitive | des Grundprinzips |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Grundprinzip | die Grundprinzipien die Grundprinzipe |
| accusative | das Grundprinzip | die Grundprinzipien die Grundprinzipe |
| dative | dem Grundprinzip | den Grundprinzipien den Grundprinzipen |
| genitive | des Grundprinzips | der Grundprinzipien der Grundprinzipe |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
The word is a clear compound made up of 'der Grund' (the basis/ground) and 'das Prinzip' (the principle). Here, 'Grund' means 'basis' or 'foundation.' So a 'Grundprinzip' is literally a fundamental, basic principle.
Fairness ist ein wichtiges Grundprinzip in unserem Team.
Fairness is an important basic principle in our team.
The element 'Grund-' is used very frequently in German to indicate that something is fundamental, basic, or essential. When you see 'Grund-' at the beginning of a word, it often points to a core idea or basis.
Der Grundgedanke des Projekts ist einfach, aber genial.
The basic idea of the project is simple but brilliant.
'Grundprinzip' (basic principle) is often used with the genitive or the preposition 'von' (of) to say what it is the principle of. Another common construction is a subordinate clause with 'dass' (that).
Das ist das Grundprinzip der Marktwirtschaft.
That is the basic principle of the market economy.
Das Grundprinzip ist, dass jeder die gleichen Chancen hat.
The basic principle is that everyone has the same opportunities.
basis / foundation
Grundlage is the basis or prerequisite on which a theory or approach is built. Grundprinzip, by contrast, is a central rule or guiding idea according to which a system functions or people act.
Die offene Zusammenarbeit ist das Grundprinzip unserer neuen Arbeitsweise.
Open collaboration is the basic principle of our new way of working.
Die Ergebnisse früherer Projekte bilden die Grundlage unserer neuen Arbeitsweise.
The results of previous projects form the basis of our new way of working.
