German word

Fundament

Pronunciation

IPA/fʊndaˈmɛnt/

Meaning

  • neuter nounfoundation

Example

Das Fundament des Hauses ist sehr stabil.

The foundation of the house is very stable.

Illustration for Fundament (foundation)

More examples

Bevor wir starten, müssen wir ein Fundament schaffen.

Before we start, we have to create a foundation.

Core concept

A solid lower layer supports a house, a system, or an idea above it.

Common phrases

  • ein Fundament schaffen

    create a foundation

  • auf einem soliden Fundament stehen

    stand on a solid foundation

  • als Fundament dienen

    serve as a foundation

Similar words

Grundlage: The essential basis on which a matter, system, or institution rests.
Basis: The basic starting point or essential elements of something.
Grund: The reason why something happens or is the case.
Pfeiler: A main pillar or supporting force within a building or organization.

Definition in German

Eine feste, grundlegende Basis für eine Idee, ein System oder ein Projekt; ursprünglich auch ein baulicher Unterbau.

Word origin

Fundament entered German from the Latin noun fundamentum, meaning a foundation, which comes from fundare, meaning to lay a foundation.

Usage tips

  • Fundament is neuter, so its definite form is das Fundament and its plural is die Fundamente.

Other meanings

  • basenoun
  • underpinningnoun
  • basisnoun

Opposites

  • Überbausuperstructurenoun

Related words

  • fundierenunderpinverb
  • fundiertwell-foundedadjective

Word lists with this word