to underlie
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to underlie
To be the basis, cause, or foundation for something. It describes what serves as the foundation for a matter, a decision, or a thought.
Welche Annahmen liegen dieser Theorie zugrunde?
What assumptions underlie this theory?
'Zugrundeliegen' (to underlie) is a separable verb. In a main clause, 'liegen' appears in conjugated form and 'zugrunde' goes at the end of the sentence. In a subordinate clause, the parts stay together.
Dem Bericht liegt eine lange Untersuchung zugrunde.
A long investigation underlies the report.
This verb is always used with the dative. The thing that is the basis is in the nominative, and the thing for which it is the basis is in the dative.
Dem Projekt liegt ein detaillierter Plan zugrunde.
A detailed plan underlies the project.
The word 'zugrundeliegen' (to underlie) is rather formal and is often used in written language, in academic texts, or in official discussions.
Die zugrundeliegenden Daten wurden sorgfältig geprüft.
The underlying data were carefully checked.
to build up
'aufbauen' and 'zugrundeliegen' both have to do with a foundation, but they look at it from different directions. With 'auf etwas aufbauen' (to build on something), you use an existing basis and develop something further from it. With 'zugrundeliegen' (to underlie), the basis itself is the focus: it is the reason or foundation for a decision, idea, or action. The words can be confused because both talk about a foundation. The difference is important: a person or thing builds on a foundation; a foundation underlies something.
Dem Vorschlag liegt die Idee zugrunde, mehr Zeit für Beratung zu schaffen.
The proposal is based on the idea of creating more time for consultation.
Der neue Kurs baut auf den Übungen aus dem ersten Kurs auf.
The new course builds on the exercises from the first course.