German word

Grund

Pronunciation

IPA/gʁʊnt/

Meaning

  • masculine nounreason

Example

Es gibt keinen Grund zur Sorge.

There is no reason to worry.

Illustration for Grund (reason)

More examples

Der Zeuge konnte keinen Grund angeben.

The witness could not give a reason.

Core concept

A hidden layer beneath what happens, where an event starts or an assertion finds support.

Common phrases

  • einen Grund angeben

    give a reason

  • einen guten Grund haben

    have a good reason

Similar words

Ursache: The direct cause that makes an event happen.
Anlass: A trigger or occasion for an action or event.
Begründung: An explanation showing that an opinion or decision is justified.
Motiv: An inner motive or purpose behind an action.

Definition in German

Ursache oder Begründung für ein Ereignis, eine Handlung oder eine Aussage; das, worauf etwas beruht.

Word origin

Grund is an inherited Germanic noun recorded in Old High German as grunt for ground or bottom, with later figurative uses for a basis, cause, or reason.

Usage tips

  • The phrase Grund zu takes a noun in the dative, as in kein Grund zur Sorge, literally no reason for concern.

Other meanings

  • basisnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word