cornerstone
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cornerstone
The first stone that is ceremonially laid when a building is constructed and often contains a time capsule.
Die Ministerin legte den Grundstein für das neue Forschungszentrum.
The minister laid the cornerstone for the new research center.
The word is a simple compound of 'der Grund' (here in the sense of foundation) and 'der Stein' (stone). So it literally refers to the stone that forms the foundation.
Bei der Zeremonie wurde der Grundstein in das Fundament eingesetzt.
At the ceremony, the cornerstone was placed in the foundation.
The figurative meaning is almost always used in the fixed expression 'den Grundstein für etwas (Akkusativ) legen' (to lay the foundation for something). It means to create the basis for a future development.
Mit seiner Forschung legte er den Grundstein für die moderne Medizin.
With his research, he laid the foundation for modern medicine.
The literal meaning is found in the context of construction, architecture, and buildings. The figurative, much more common meaning can be recognized by the fact that it involves abstract things such as success, a career, a discovery, or a relationship.
Der Bürgermeister legte den Grundstein für die neue Schule.
The mayor laid the cornerstone for the new school.
basis / base
'die Basis' and 'der Grundstein' both have to do with a foundation for something that comes later. 'die Basis' names the foundation itself, on which something stands or is built. 'der Grundstein' is often used in the expression 'den Grundstein legen' (to lay the foundation) and emphasizes the beginning of a development. So it is more about the first step that becomes important later. You can say: Good knowledge is the basis for success. Someone who practices early lays the foundation for success.
Mit dem ersten Sprachkurs hat sie den Grundstein für ihr Studium in Deutschland gelegt.
With her first language course, she laid the foundation for her studies in Germany.
Regelmäßiges Üben ist die Basis für gute Fortschritte beim Lernen.
Regular practice is the basis for making good progress in learning.