begründen
Translation
to justify, to found, to establish, to substantiate
Examples
Können Sie Ihre Meinung begründen?
Can you justify your opinion?
Er begründete das Unternehmen im Jahr 1990.
He founded the company in 1990.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) ((with sth.)) to justify sth. with sth. He justifies his theory with facts.
((sth.)) to found sth. She founded a foundation for children.
Similar Words
rechtfertigen (to justify), erklären (to explain), gründen (to found), errichten (to establish)
Etymology
From the prefix 'be-' and the noun 'Grund' (ground, reason). Literally 'to put on the ground' or 'to provide a reason for'.
Memory Tips
To 'begründen' something is to give it a solid 'Grund' (ground/reason) to stand on, whether it's an argument or a new company.