das Grundgesetz, -e
Basic Law
Das ist das wichtigste Regelwerk eines Staates. Es sagt, wie das Land aufgebaut ist und welche Rechte die Menschen haben.
The German word "Grundgesetz" is a compound noun made up of "Grund" and "Gesetz":
- Grund = "foundation" or "basis"
- Gesetz = "law"
Grundgesetz literally means "basic law" or "fundamental law". It refers specifically to the German constitution, which lays out fundamental legal principles and rights.
Similar words:
- Verfassung (constitution)
- Gesetzgebung (legislation)
Difference:
- Grundgesetz is the formal, official constitution of Germany, established after World War II.
- Verfassung is a general term for any constitution in German-speaking countries.
- Gesetzgebung refers broadly to the process or system of lawmaking, not to a specific constitutional text.
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Examples
Das Grundgesetz bildet die rechtliche Basis für Deutschland.noun
The Basic Law forms the legal basis for Germany.
Im Unterricht haben wir über die Entstehung des Grundgesetzes gesprochen.noun
In class we talked about the origin of the Basic Law.
Nach dem Krieg schrieb man das Grundgesetz, um die Demokratie zu sichern.noun
After the war, the Basic Law was written to secure democracy.
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