pillar
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pillar
A massive, vertical support made of stone, concrete, or steel that holds up a structure such as a bridge or a large building.
Die alte Brücke wird von drei dicken Steinpfeilern getragen.
The old bridge is supported by three thick stone pillars.
In its literal meaning, 'Pfeiler' (pillar) is often combined with verbs like 'tragen' (to support/carry) or 'stützen' (to support). A bridge or a roof can, for example, 'auf Pfeilern ruhen' (rest on pillars).
Die gesamte Dachkonstruktion ruht auf vier massiven Pfeilern.
The entire roof structure rests on four massive pillars.
You can recognize the figurative meaning from the context: If 'Pfeiler' (pillar) refers to structures like bridges or buildings, it means the support. If it refers to people, organizations, or abstract concepts, it means the supporting role.
Meine Großmutter ist ein wichtiger Pfeiler unserer Familie.
My grandmother is an important pillar of our family.
In the figurative meaning, 'Pfeiler' (pillar) is often used with adjectives like 'wichtig' (important), 'stark' (strong), or 'tragend' (supporting) to emphasize the fundamental role of a person or thing.
Kleine und mittlere Unternehmen sind ein tragender Pfeiler der deutschen Wirtschaft.
Small and medium-sized businesses are a supporting pillar of the German economy.
The figurative use of 'Pfeiler' (pillar) for a supporting person or thing is typical of a more formal, slightly elevated style, for example in newspaper articles or speeches.
Der Trainer gilt als der zentrale Pfeiler des Erfolgs der Mannschaft.
The coach is considered the central pillar of the team's success.
basis / foundation
'die Grundlage' and 'der Pfeiler' can both describe something important that provides stability. 'die Grundlage' is the basis on which something is built, for example a plan, an argument, or a relationship. In a figurative sense, 'der Pfeiler' means a supporting person or thing in a larger system. The words can be confused because both carry an image of stability. 'Grundlage' fits better with the beginning or the basis; 'Pfeiler' fits better with an important part that supports a system over the long term.
Eine gute Ausbildung bleibt ein wichtiger Pfeiler der beruflichen Zukunft.
A good education remains an important pillar of one's professional future.
Wir haben eine klare Grundlage für die neue Zusammenarbeit geschaffen.
We have created a clear basis for the new collaboration.