German word

Grundgesetz

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈgʁʊntgəˌzɛt͡s/

Meaning

  • neuter nounbasic law

Example

Das Grundgesetz schützt die Menschenrechte.

The Basic Law protects human rights.

Illustration for Grundgesetz (basic law)

More examples

Viele Rechte im Alltag leiten sich aus dem Grundgesetz ab.

Many rights in everyday life derive from the basic law.

Core concept

A stable legal foundation supports the state while shielding citizens' basic rights.

Common phrases

  • Artikel 1 des Grundgesetzes

    Article 1 of the basic law

  • im Widerspruch zum Grundgesetz

    in conflict with the basic law

  • das Grundgesetz verabschieden

    adopt the basic law

Similar words

Verfassung: The highest law setting out a state's fundamental political structure.
Gesetz: A written law establishing specific rules for public life.
Grundrechte: The fundamental freedoms and equal rights held by citizens.
Artikel: An individual provision within a law or constitution.

Definition in German

Das Grundgesetz ist die verfassungsrechtliche Grundlage der Bundesrepublik Deutschland und schützt die Grundrechte der Bürger.

Word origin

The compound Grundgesetz joins Grund, foundation or basis, with Gesetz, law, and names Germany's constitutional law adopted after the Second World War.

Usage tips

  • The noun is neuter and takes the article das, as in das Grundgesetz; its plural is Grundgesetze.

Other meanings

  • constitutionnoun

Related words

  • Grundgesetzgeberbasic-law legislatornoun
  • grundgesetzwidrigcontrary to the basic lawadjective

Word lists with this word