der Grundsatz
Translation
principles, fundamentals, maxims
Examples
Wir handeln nach festen Grundsätzen.
We act according to firm principles.
Er bleibt seinen Grundsätzen treu.
He remains true to his principles.
Grammar Patterns
to act according to ((sth.dat)) Wir handeln nach festen Grundsätzen.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Prinzip, Maxime, Leitsatz; Antonyms: Ausnahme (exception)
Etymology
From 'Grund' (ground, foundation) + 'Satz' (sentence, rule). Literally a 'ground rule' or 'foundational sentence'.
Memory Tips
Think of it as the 'ground sentence' (Grund + Satz) upon which everything else is built.