der Ursprung
Translation
origins, sources, beginnings
Examples
Die Ursprünge des Konflikts sind unklar.
The origins of the conflict are unclear.
Viele Wörter haben lateinische Ursprünge.
Many words have Latin origins.
Grammar Patterns
the origins of sth. (genitive) We are researching the origins of the universe.
to have its origins in sth. (dative) The custom has its origins in the Middle Ages.
Similar Words
Anfang (beginning), Quelle (source), Herkunft (origin)
Etymology
Composed of 'Ur-' (primeval, original) + 'Sprung' (jump, leap). It signifies a 'primal leap' from which something begins.
Memory Tips
Imagine something 'jumping' (Sprung) out of its 'original' (Ur-) source.