underground
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underground
Describes something that belongs to a subculture or a secret, often political or artistic movement that operates outside established society or the mainstream.
In den 80er Jahren gab es in der DDR eine aktive Untergrund-Literaturszene.
In the 1980s, there was an active underground literary scene in East Germany.
The word 'Untergrund' (underground) consists of 'unter' (under) and 'Grund' (ground). Literally, it means 'the ground beneath the surface.' This idea of something hidden and not visible is transferred to the meaning of a secret movement.
Viele Künstler arbeiteten im politischen Untergrund.
Many artists worked in the political underground.
To express that someone or something operates in secret or outside official society, the fixed expression 'im Untergrund' (in the underground) is used.
Die Widerstandsgruppe musste im Untergrund arbeiten.
The resistance group had to work underground.
Although 'Untergrund' (underground) is a noun, it is often used like an adjective as the first part of compound nouns. Typical examples are 'Untergrund-Bewegung' (underground movement), 'Untergrund-Szene' (underground scene), or 'Untergrund-Musik' (underground music).
In Berlin gab es eine lebendige Untergrund-Kunstszene.
There was a lively underground art scene in Berlin.
floor / ground
Boden refers to the surface on which you stand or walk. Untergrund can refer to the same surface, but focuses more strongly on its material and load-bearing properties. So Boden is used when talking about walking, while Untergrund is more suitable when checking or preparing the surface.
Vor dem Verlegen prüft die Handwerkerin, ob der Untergrund eben und tragfähig ist.
Before laying the flooring, the craftswoman checks whether the subfloor is level and load-bearing.
Nach der Reinigung kann man wieder sicher über den Boden gehen.
After cleaning, it is safe to walk across the floor again.
