der Grundsatz
principle
A fundamental rule, principle, or belief that serves as the basis for thinking or acting.
EXAMPLE
Ehrlichkeit ist ein wichtiger Grundsatz in unserer Familie.
Honesty is an important principle in our family.
der Grundsatz
principle
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Meanings
im Grundsatz
in principle
Expresses that something is true in principle or essentially, even if there may be deviations in the details.
EXAMPLE
Im Grundsatz stimme ich dir zu, aber wir müssen die Kosten bedenken.
In principle, I agree with you, but we need to consider the costs.
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is made up of 'Grund' (basis, foundation) and 'Satz' (here in the sense of theorem or principle). A 'Grundsatz' (principle) is therefore literally a fundamental principle.
EXAMPLE
Der Schutz der Menschenwürde ist ein wichtiger Grundsatz des Gesetzes.
The protection of human dignity is an important principle of the law.
Typical collocations
Common verbs used with 'Grundsatz' (principle) are 'einen Grundsatz haben' (to have a principle), 'einem Grundsatz folgen' (to follow a principle), or 'gegen einen Grundsatz verstoßen' (to violate a principle).
EXAMPLE
Er handelt stets nach dem Grundsatz, immer ehrlich zu sein.
He always acts according to the principle of being honest.
Usage context
The word 'Grundsatz' (principle) is often used in official, legal, or ethical contexts to express a fundamental rule.
EXAMPLE
Die Geschäftsführung hat neue Grundsätze für die Zusammenarbeit festgelegt.
Management has established new principles for cooperation.
Fixed expression
The phrase 'im Grundsatz' (in principle) is used as an adverbial expression and means 'prinzipiell' (in principle) or 'im Wesentlichen' (essentially). If it comes at the beginning of the sentence, the verb follows in second position.
EXAMPLE
Im Grundsatz bin ich mit dem Vorschlag einverstanden.
In principle, I agree with the proposal.
Compare with
Grundsatz vs Politik
politics / policy
Politik and Grundsatz can both provide lasting guidance for an organization. Grundsatz tends to refer to a single fundamental principle, while Politik refers to the general course of action based on it. Grundsatz is the better choice for the basis of a decision, while Politik is more suitable for the overall direction.
Grundsatz
Beim Einkauf gilt der Grundsatz, Produkte möglichst aus der Region zu wählen.
When making purchases, the principle is to choose products from the region whenever possible.
Politik
Die Politik des Unternehmens richtet den gesamten Einkauf dauerhaft an Nachhaltigkeit aus.
The company's policy permanently directs all purchasing toward sustainability.
In real life
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