German word

Grundsatz

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈgʁʊntˌzats/

Meaning

  • masculine nounprinciple

Example

Mein Grundsatz ist Ehrlichkeit.

My principle is honesty.

Illustration for Grundsatz (principle)

More examples

In der Politik ist der Grundsatz der Gleichbehandlung wichtig.

In politics, the principle of equal treatment is important.

Core concept

A foundation stone bearing a rule that guides later decisions.

Common phrases

  • auf einem Grundsatz beruhen

    be based on a principle

  • einen Grundsatz vertreten

    uphold a principle

  • vom Grundsatz abweichen

    depart from a principle

Similar words

Prinzip: A basic idea or law that explains how something works.
Regel: A required rule or established method of doing something.
Norm: An accepted standard for behavior within a group or society.
Richtschnur: A guiding standard for making judgments and choosing actions.

Definition in German

Allgemeine, grundlegende Leitlinie oder Regel, die als Orientierung für Handlungen und Entscheidungen dient.

Word origin

Grundsatz is a compound of Grund, meaning basis or reason, and Satz, a statement related to setzen, meaning to set or place.

Usage tips

  • In the phrase im Grundsatz, the word usually means in principle, leaving specific exceptions or procedures open.

Other meanings

  • policynoun

Opposites

Related words

  • grundsätzlichprincipledadjective
  • Grundsatzfragefundamental questionnoun

Word lists with this word