German word

grundlegend

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈgʁʊntˌleːgənt/

Meaning

  • adjectivebasic

Example

Das ist eine grundlegende Frage.

That is a basic question.

Illustration for grundlegend (basic)

More examples

Für diese Aufgabe sind grundlegende Kenntnisse erforderlich.

Basic knowledge is required for this task.

Core concept

A principle at the base of a framework, where removing it destabilizes the whole structure.

Common phrases

  • grundlegende Frage

    basic question

  • grundlegende Kenntnisse

    basic knowledge

Similar words

wesentlich: Indispensable to how something develops or turns out.
elementar: Limited to the simplest ideas needed for learning or understanding.
grundsätzlich: Expressing a general rule or principle rather than a specific detail.
wichtig: Having significant value, influence, or effect on a situation.

Definition in German

die Grundlage bildend; wesentlich für das Verständnis oder die Funktion von etwas.

Word origin

Grundlegend combines Grund ('ground, foundation') with legen ('to lay'), while the ending -end forms an adjective from the resulting verb.

Usage tips

  • English 'basic' can sound introductory, whereas grundlegend often marks a principle or condition central to a system or explanation.

Other meanings

  • fundamentaladjective
  • essentialadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • Grundwissenbasic knowledgenoun
  • Grundlagefoundationnoun

Word lists with this word