foundation
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foundation
The initial, basic collection of objects, capital, or knowledge on which everything else is built.
Die Schenkung des Sammlers bildete den Grundstock des neuen Museums.
The collector's donation formed the foundation of the new museum.
The word is made up of 'Grund' (base, foundation) and 'Stock' (supply, stock). It therefore refers to the basic stock on which something is built.
Diese ersten Bücher bildeten den Grundstock seiner Sammlung.
These first books formed the foundation of his collection.
'Grundstock' (foundation) is often used with the verbs 'bilden' (to form), 'legen' (to lay), or 'schaffen' (to create). A very common fixed expression is 'den Grundstock für etwas legen' (to lay the foundation for something).
Mit diesem Kapital konnten sie den Grundstock für ihr Unternehmen legen.
With this capital, they were able to lay the foundation for their company.
To describe what the 'Grundstock' (foundation) consists of, a genitive or a prepositional phrase with 'an' (+ dative) is usually used. For example: 'der Grundstock des Vermögens' (the foundation of the fortune/assets) or 'ein Grundstock an Wissen' (a basic foundation of knowledge).
Ein guter Grundstock an Vokabeln ist für das Sprachenlernen unerlässlich.
A good foundation of vocabulary is essential for language learning.
basis / base
Basis is a general term for the foundation on which something is built. Grundstock more specifically refers to an initial amount or collection that is expanded later. It is therefore especially appropriate for an initial stock of money, knowledge, or objects.
Die ersten hundert Bücher bilden den Grundstock der neuen Bibliothek.
The first hundred books form the foundation of the new library.
Gute Sprachkenntnisse sind die Basis für ihre weitere Ausbildung.
Good language skills are the basis for her further education.
