base / support point
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base
A military facility or base that serves as a starting point for operations, for supplying forces, or for defending an area.
Die Marine unterhält mehrere Stützpunkte an strategisch wichtigen Küsten.
The navy maintains several bases on strategically important coasts.
The word is made up of 'Stütze' (support) and 'Punkt' (point). It literally describes a point that serves as support or backing, which is the basis for all its meanings.
Die Forschungsstation in der Antarktis ist ein wichtiger Stützpunkt für Wissenschaftler.
The research station in Antarctica is an important base for scientists.
The context tells you whether a military, civilian, or technical 'Stützpunkt' (base/support point) is meant. Words like 'Armee' (army) or 'Marine' (navy) point to the military, 'Rettung' (rescue) or 'Expedition' (expedition) to civilian use, and 'Hebel' (lever) or 'Konstruktion' (construction) to technology.
Die Soldaten kehrten zu ihrem Stützpunkt zurück.
The soldiers returned to their base.
In military and civilian contexts, 'Stützpunkt' (base) is often combined with verbs such as 'errichten' (to establish/build), 'aufbauen' (to set up), 'unterhalten' (to maintain), or 'auflösen' (to dissolve/close down).
Das Militär plant, einen neuen Stützpunkt in der Region zu errichten.
The military plans to establish a new base in the region.
In the civilian meaning, a 'Stützpunkt' (base) often serves as a starting point for certain activities. Typical formulations are 'als Stützpunkt dienen' (to serve as a base) or 'einen Stützpunkt für etwas haben' (to have a base for something).
Das Basislager dient den Bergsteigern als Stützpunkt für den Aufstieg zum Gipfel.
The base camp serves the mountaineers as a base for the ascent to the summit.
basis / base
'die Basis' and 'der Stützpunkt' can both mean a place from which people work, plan, or start operations. 'Stützpunkt' sounds more strongly like a concrete place with a specific function, for example for soldiers, rescue workers, or an expedition. 'Basis' can be similar in this sense, but it is somewhat more general and is also used with other meanings. The words can be confused because a 'Basis' is often a 'Stützpunkt'. When the focus is on a fixed work site or operational base, 'Stützpunkt' fits especially well.
Der Rettungsdienst hat in den Bergen einen neuen Stützpunkt eröffnet.
The rescue service has opened a new base in the mountains.
Die Forscher kehren vor dem Sturm zur Basis zurück.
The researchers return to the base before the storm.